Bottas flatters Cadillac and hopes for a return to F1 by 2026
The Finn posted a video on social networks in which he is standing next to an SUV from the American brand. Not an insignificant publication at a time when discussions between the two parties are continuing.
But where will Valtteri Bottas be in 2026? The Finn lost his seat this season after three years with Sauber alongside Guanyu Zhou. Returning to a third driver role at Mercedes, where he raced between 2017 and 2021, the former Williams driver has never hidden his desire to return to the grid. A wish that could well come true with the arrival of a new team in F1 next year: Cadillac.
The American manufacturer, owned by General Motors, is seeking an experienced driver to kick off its F1 campaign. The Finn with 243 starts in the category perfectly fits the bill. Additionally, he has already indicated that he desires a long-term project, in a team where he could guide the development direction thanks to his status as number 1. So if Bottas meets Cadillac’s requirements, the American team has not yet made its decision. Nevertheless, a hint about the identity of its future driver was revealed in a video.
Bottas seeks to woo Cadillac
In this scene, Valtteri Bottas is shown a Cadillac SUV. Then, a conversation takes place about the « nice » seat of the car. When asked if he would like to sit in one of the two available seats, the Finn replies: « Not yet. » A response suggesting that an announcement is imminent.
Do we like this seat? pic.twitter.com/DhUuCdpGcB
— Valtteri Bottas (@ValtteriBottas) June 23, 2025
Other contenders for the first seat at Cadillac
Nevertheless, the former Mercedes driver is not the only one available for the position. Mexican Sergio Pérez, who was dropped by Red Bull at the end of last season, is also on Cadillac’s shortlist. With 281 starts, Pérez is one of the most experienced drivers. Despite a challenging end to his campaign with the Austrian team, the Mexican has previously demonstrated his ability to perform exceptionally well as a number 1 driver, notably at Racing Point. However, the former McLaren driver is also being courted by Alpine.
The French team is trying to resolve its issues regarding its second seat, which it has already modified after the departure of Jack Doohan, replaced by Franco Colapinto, and needs funding after a particularly challenging start to the 2025 campaign.
Between Bottas and Pérez, the American manufacturer will have to make a choice. Nonetheless, the advantage seems to be on the side of the Finn for the moment. Unlike Pérez, the former Williams driver doesn’t have other credible options to return to F1 despite rumors linking him to Red Bull. If Alpine decides to recruit Pérez, the path will be clear for Bottas at Cadillac. Still, it will be up to the future F1 team to make the decision. However, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Finnish driver on the starting grid in Australia on March 8.
