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Cadillac have officially announced that Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez will be their two drivers for the 2026 season. The newly-formed American team will make their debut on the grid next year and have opted for experience ahead of their inaugural campaign. Bottas has been serving as Mercedes' test and reserve driver since leaving Sauber at the end of last season.

Perez has been out of work for the same length of time, having been sacked by Red Bull following last year's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Both drivers had been heavily linked with moves to Cadillac for 2026 and their arrivals have now been officially confirmed. The news was announced via X (formerly Twitter) with a cinematic video featuring actor Keanu Reeves.

Explaining his decision to sign with the team, Bottas said that he was tempted by the idea of helping to build a new project from the ground up.

"From the moment I began speaking with the Cadillac team I felt something different, something ambitious but also grounded," explained the Finn.

"This isn't just a racing project; it's a long-term vision. It's not every day that you get a chance to be part of something being built from the ground up and helping shape it into something that truly belongs on the F1 grid.

"I've had the honour of working with some of the best teams in the world and I can already see the same professionalism and hunger here.

"This is an iconic brand with a big legacy in American motorsport, and to be a part of the story as it enters the world stage of F1 is incredibly special for me. I'm looking forward to representing the American spirit of racing on the greatest circuits in the world.

"I'd also like to thank Mercedes for their unwavering support and sportsmanship in facilitating such an exciting step."

Perez, meanwhile, said: "Joining the Cadillac team is an incredibly exciting new chapter in my career. From our first conversations, I could sense the passion and determination behind this project.

"It's an honour to be part of a building a team that can develop together so that, in time, we will fight at the very front. Cadillac is a legendary name in American motorsport and to help bring such a fantastic company to Formula One is a huge responsibility, one I'm confident of taking on.

"I'm proud to be part of such an ambitious and meaningful project from the very beginning. I'm really pleased to be part of such a dynamic line-up and together I believe we can help shape this team into a real contender, the team of the Americas."

Team principal Graeme Lowdon added: "Signing two very experienced racers like Bottas and Checo is a bold signal of intent.

"They've seen it all and they know what it takes to succeed in Formula One, but more importantly, they understand what it means to help build a team.

"Their leadership, feedback, race-hardened instincts and of course their speed will be invaluable as we bring this team to life. A big thank you to the team at Mercedes for their co-operation and understanding."

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