On August 26, Cadillac announced that Sergio “Checo” Pérez and Valtteri Bottas will form the team’s driver lineup for its debut in Formula 1 in the 2026 season. The news marks the return of two popular figures to the grid, and the announcement has drawn widespread praise and excitement from across the paddock.
Bottas welcomed back
Bottas made his F1 debut with Williams in 2013 before stepping up to Mercedes in 2017, where he became a multiple race winner and key part of their Constructors’ dominance alongside Lewis Hamilton. After five seasons, he moved to Alfa Romeo (now Sauber), taking on a leadership role with rookie Zhou Guanyu. In 2025, he returned to Mercedes as a reserve driver before sealing a deal with Cadillac.
At Mercedes, rookie Kimi Antonelli got to know Bottas over the year and described him as a supportive figure.
“Well, first of all I’m really happy he’s been able to find a seat for next year, so he’s going to be back on the grid. For sure you’re going to miss him, because he’s been very supportive and he’s going to still be in the team until the end of the season, so that’s good. But of course it’s a bit sad, but obviously I’m super happy for him and he fully deserves it.”
Pérez receives warm messages
For Pérez, the reaction was equally warm across the paddock. Carlos Sainz was very happy about it.
“I’m looking forward to seeing him. Giving him a good hug and welcome back to the track. I had the feeling he was always going to come back, given the way he left and it was good to see the announcement.”
Pérez entered Formula 1 in 2011 with Sauber before racing for McLaren, Force India, and Racing Point. His breakthrough came with Racing Point in 2020, when he claimed his first Grand Prix victory in Sakhir, which earned him a move to Red Bull.
Partnered with Max Verstappen from 2021 to 2024, he added multiple wins and podiums before leaving the grid at the end of 2024 after helping the team win two Constructors’ Championships. He is now making a comeback with Cadillac
Alpine’s Franco Colapinto expressed his joy, explaining how much Pérez inspired him growing up.
“I love Checo and he’s been the driver I always cheering for when I was very young. At the end of the day he was the one closest to Argentina. Mexico and Argentina are very close to each other. He was always the one I was cheering for when I was very young. It’s just great to see him back in the sport, back in Formula 1. It’s going to be great to have him back. We miss him a lot so I’m very happy for him to be back in F1 and to see him again. It’s going to be great so I can’t wait for next year.”
Old teammates reacting
Both Bottas and Pérez’s former teammates were quick to share their support, as they played key roles in helping Hamilton and Verstappen win Driver’s Championships, and Constructors’ ones for Mercedes and Red Bull respectively.
Lewis Hamilton praised his long-time Mercedes partner:
“I’m really happy for Valtteri. He’s a good friend. He really deserves to be back, so I know he’s got plenty of experience that he’ll be able to bring to a new team.”
Max Verstappen also spoke highly of Pérez, revealing he messaged him straight after the news broke.
“Yeah, I mean, when I saw the news come out, I sent a message to him [Checo]. I’m, of course, very happy for him that he got a seat. He’s a great guy, and we always got along very well. So yeah, I’m happy to see him back on the grid. How he’s going to perform will also depend on how good the car is going to be. It’s a bit difficult to say at the moment, but it’s a new opportunity and I’m sure he’s very excited for it.”
Esteban Ocon, who previously partnered Pérez at Force India, noted how familiar both drivers are to him:
“Familiar faces, really. Drivers I’ve been racing with for my whole career, pretty much. Yeah, great to see Checo back. Obviously, I was teaming up with him for two years. Great to see him back on the grid and Valtteri, I think both of them deserve to be back.”
Wider paddock reaction
Fernando Alonso was also pleased with Cadillac’s choices:
“Having Checo and Valtteri is good news for the sport. It’s good news for them. I’m happy for them.”
Pierre Gasly echoed that sentiment, reflecting on their long careers.
“I think it’s amazing for the sport. They are two great characters of our sport over the last 10 years or so. They’ve been fighting at the front of the grid, they’ve been working with the top teams, been winning. I think it’s a great addition. It was kind of sad to see them leave last year.”
Their comebacks are not only seen as a personal triumph but also a significant gain for Formula 1, ensuring two proven race winners remain central to the sport’s future.
