Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 in 2026 promises to shake up the grid, and much of the excitement centers on the duo chosen to spearhead the project: Sergio “Checo” Pérez and Valtteri Bottas. Two highly experienced drivers with impressive careers who, however, will have to share a garage in a team that sooner or later will need to designate a leader.

Two heavyweight careers

Statistically, the edge goes to the Finn. Bottas has 10 wins and 67 podiums in F1, achievements largely stemming from his years as Lewis Hamilton’s teammate at Mercedes, where he played a key role in the team’s golden era. Checo Pérez, meanwhile, has six wins and 43 podiums, but with the advantage of more recent success, especially during his stint with Red Bull, where he partnered Max Verstappen during his era of dominance.

Age doesn’t make much of a difference either: Bottas is 36 and Pérez is 35, placing both in the mature stage of their careers, combining experience with competitiveness.

The leadership question at Cadillac

The big question is who will assume the number one role at Cadillac. In most Formula 1 teams, there’s always a clear lead driver who gets priority in crucial moments. Pérez knows all too well what it means to be a “second driver,” as at Red Bull he often sacrificed opportunities for Verstappen’s benefit. In this new project, with no pre-established hierarchy, both start on equal footing.

On-track performance will be the ultimate judge. The opening races of 2026 could be decisive in determining which driver gets priority in tire strategies, car upgrades, or race decisions. All signs suggest that Cadillac will let the results speak before choosing sides.

A battle that promises fireworks

What is clear is that both Checo Pérez and Valtteri Bottas fit the mold of team players: they’ve both taken on secondary roles when needed, always prioritizing collective goals. However, for a debuting team like Cadillac, the margin for error will be slim, and internal management will be crucial to avoid tension.

With two drivers this competitive, the fight for leadership will be one of the most fascinating storylines of the 2026 season. The American team will need to carefully balance the dynamic, as mutual respect and results will ultimately dictate who takes the starring role.

One thing is certain: the showdown between Checo Pérez and Valtteri Bottas is set to be one of the most intense and closely followed battles in modern Formula 1.