Vallteri Bottas returns to F1 with Cadillac

Cadillac have secured the signature of Finnish veteran Valtteri Bottas as their lead driver for the 2026 season.

The announcement is expected to be made official soon and represents a pivotal step for the American outfit as it prepares to enter the sport as the 11th team on the grid. For Bottas, the deal marks both a new challenge and a return to centre stage after a career of remarkable consistency at the highest level.

Since his Formula 1 debut with Williams in 2013, Bottas has built a reputation as one of the most dependable and technically astute drivers on the grid.

His breakthrough came in 2017, when Mercedes signed him to replace the retired Nico Rosberg. During his five years with the Silver Arrows, Bottas partnered Lewis Hamilton in one of the most dominant eras in Formula 1 history.

In many ways, he was the Scottie Pippen to Hamilton’s Michael Jordan – undervalued and underappreciated. He contributed to five consecutive Constructors’ Championships, securing 10 Grand Prix victories, 20 pole positions and 67 podium finishes.

Though often cast in the role of supporting Hamilton’s title campaigns, Bottas demonstrated both speed and resilience, earning respect for his work ethic and commitment to the team.

In 2022, Bottas joined Alfa Romeo (later rebranded Sauber/Kick), where he took on a different challenge – helping to stabilise a midfield outfit and guide its technical development in preparation for Audi’s arrival.

While podiums proved elusive, his leadership and experience were invaluable, particularly in mentoring younger drivers and shaping car development strategies. Most recently, he was seen working alongside Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes.

As a seasoned campaigner with more than 240 race starts, Bottas brings the experience and technical insight required to help a brand-new team navigate the daunting early years of competition. His proven ability to adapt to different environments, combined with a reputation for steady points-scoring, makes him a logical choice to lay the foundation for Cadillac’s long-term ambitions.

Cadillac’s entry comes amid the sweeping regulation changes of 2026, which promise a reset of power unit technology and aerodynamics. Bottas’ feedback will be vital in shaping the team’s inaugural car and ensuring competitiveness from the outset.

Speculation continues over who will partner the Finn, with Sergio Pérez heavily linked to the second seat. But one thing is certain: Cadillac now have a proven race winner and leader at the wheel. For Bottas, it is an opportunity to write a bold new chapter in his Formula 1 story – one that could define his legacy.