Behind the scenes, Cadillac’s CEO Dan Towriss revealed that the decision to bring Perez on board was almost instantaneous.

A discreet meeting preceding the Dutch Grand Prix left a strong impression, described by Towriss as “love at first sight” due to Perez’s experience, ambition, and alignment with Cadillac’s vision.

Despite initial reservations about Perez’s year out of the sport after parting ways with Red Bull, his passion for racing and confidence in Cadillac’s project extinguished doubts during comprehensive discussions.

This blend of trust, mutual respect, and shared goals formed the foundation for Perez’s multi-year contract with the new F1 entrant.

Dual Leadership: Perez and Bottas Bring Experience to Cadillac’s Debut

Cadillac’s approach hinges on combining youth with extensive Formula 1 know-how, reflected in signing Perez alongside veteran Valtteri Bottas.

Together, the pair accumulate over 500 Grand Prix starts and 16 wins, bringing invaluable technical insight and leadership to help build a competitive team from scratch.

Perez highlighted his excitement about helping shape the team’s identity, calling Cadillac a “legendary brand” with a legacy in American motorsport and a long-term vision to become a front-runner on the global stage.

The partnership is expected to accelerate Cadillac’s learning curve, blending racecraft, development feedback, and endurance to tackle the challenges of Formula 1’s highly competitive environment.

Checo’s Comeback: Ambition and Commitment Fuel His Return

After a challenging final year with Red Bull and a deliberate break to reassess his career, Perez embraced the Cadillac opportunity as a chance to reignite his passion and contribute meaningfully to a groundbreaking project. 

He described the decision as both exciting and humbling, noting the comprehensive vetting process by Cadillac mirrored a rigorous job interview that he “nailed” thanks to his experience and mindset.

With a fan base energized by his return, particularly across Latin America and the United States, Perez’s role is more than just as a driver—it is symbolic of Cadillac’s aspiration to build “the team of the Americas” with deep regional support and international ambition.

This fusion of seasoned expertise, strategic vision, and palpable enthusiasm sets the stage for Cadillac and Sergio Perez to make a definitive impact when they take the Formula 1 grid in 2026, heralding a new era of American motorsport prestige.