Valtteri Bottas has contended that he has seen “the same professionalism and hunger” inside Cadillac as he did during his previous stint in Formula 1 with Mercedes.
Cadillac has announced the expected news that Bottas will return to the series alongside Sergio Perez to drive the team’s two cars during its debut campaign in 2026.
Like Perez, Bottas missed out on a spot on this season’s grid, as Sauber opted against renewing his deal to place rookie Gabriel Bortoleto alongside Nico Hulkenberg.
But the Finn has retained a regular presence in the paddock via his reserve role at Mercedes, where his duties have included nurturing debutant Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Bottas, who has agreed a multi-year deal, expressed that he has been impressed with the ambition that the American marque’s top brass showed in their discussions.
“From the moment I began speaking with the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, I felt something different – something ambitious but also grounded,” said Bottas.
“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.”
How Cadillac impressed Bottas
Bottas claimed that the environment is comparable to the one he experienced at Mercedes, where he was involved in five Constructors’ titles between 2017 and 2021.
“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,” he highlighted.
“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.”
READ MORE – How Red Bull helped Sergio Perez to land Cadillac F1 seat
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