Cadillac is leaning widely to check for F1 driver pairing of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas.
The 11th team that will enter the Formula 1 grid next season has even been able to announce the lineup of F1 2026 drivers before racing at the Dutch Grand Prix next weekend.
However, Cadillac reportedly had to dodge the tough competition to land the two drivers they wanted.
Rival F1 teams tried to make the final gasp move for either Sergio Perez or Valteri Bottas.
Alpine was the team that tried to scuppa Cadillac’s plans, ESPN report.
Alpine was rejected by both Perez and Bottas after giving him the opportunity to jump into the car to replace Franco Colapinto, the report alleges.
Colapinto has been on fire since being thrown into replacing Jack Doohan, given the nods from the Flavio Briatore team. However, his long-term stay has always been a mystery.
However, Corapinto could now compete as Alpine couldn’t secure Perez or Botta.
Cadillac chooses Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas
Cadillac’s driver choice for the 2026 entry represents two of the most experienced options.
They have won the F1 Grand Prix winner duo.
Perez was dumped by Red Bull at the end of last season after failing to score points for a team that recognized the Constructors Championship to McLaren.
But the struggle between Liam Lawson and Yuki Zonodah of Red Bull, along with Max Verstappen, has sparked a different light in Perez’s final season.
Bottas lost his seat at Sauber after failing a score all season with his slowest car.
He rejoined Mercedes this year in Test and Reserve roles, but Totowolf backed his case to return to the race.
Cadillac initially explained its plans to combine veteran drivers with newcomers.
They messed around with the ideas of American drivers to reflect their roots.
However, it has been widely reported that Cadillac has found an agreement with Perez and Bottas despite being hit by a long list of candidates.
This leaves us with a line of disappointed drivers who will have to search for Plan B next year.