Valtteri Bottas has disclosed that his discussions with the Cadillac Formula 1 team began over three years ago, coinciding with the commencement of Bahrain testing for the 2026 season.
Confirmed as part of Cadillac’s roster alongside former Red Bull driver Sergio Perez, Bottas’s inclusion comes amid uncertainty regarding the team’s entry into the championship, particularly after the initial Andretti name was denied access. However, his dialogue with the team has been ongoing for quite some time.
Joining the team at the beginning of the year, Bottas became part of an organization that had already made significant strides, expanding its workforce and establishing robust facilities in both the United States and the UK.
In an interview with Kym Illman, Bottas reflected, “The initial discussions took place over three years ago, even before the team received confirmation of their Formula 1 participation. Graeme Lowdon was instrumental in those early talks, keeping me informed about their developments.”
He further expressed, “Once they secured their entry, serious negotiations began. By early 2025, Cadillac Formula 1 became my top priority. I knew this was the project I wanted to be part of. Ultimately, it was quite straightforward, as my desire to join was evident, and they were equally eager to have me on board.”
Discussing the culture within the team, Bottas emphasized the immense passion and commitment his colleagues are investing in this venture. He noted, “I have been genuinely impressed by the team’s readiness, especially considering how late they received confirmation to compete in Formula 1.”
He added, “The team is constantly hiring and expanding, with ongoing construction of new facilities in the US. Their seriousness about this endeavor is unmistakable; they’re not just participating for fun.”
Reflecting on the urgency to prepare the car, Bottas shared, “The emotional significance of getting the car operational was palpable. There were individuals in tears when the car completed its first run. It truly underscores how much this project means to everyone who has worked tirelessly for so long.”
This week, Cadillac will join the other ten teams in the championship for testing in Bahrain, having showcased its livery to the world during the Super Bowl halftime show.
