Cadillac confirmed on Tuesday that veterans Sergio “Checo” Pérez and Valtteri Bottas will spearhead the marque’s debut in Formula 1 when it joins the grid in 2026. The announcement makes Cadillac, backed by General Motors, the second U.S.-based entrant in the series and the 11th team overall. Both drivers, aged 35, bring extensive experience: Bottas has 10 victories and 246 starts, while Pérez has six wins and 281 race appearances. Mark Reuss, GM’s president, called the pairing “a winning combination,” and team principal Graeme Lowdon said their leadership and race-craft would accelerate development of the start-up squad. Cadillac will use Ferrari power units from 2026 through 2028 before introducing its own engines. Chief executive Dan Towriss reiterated confidence in Lowdon’s leadership and dismissed speculation linking former Red Bull boss Christian Horner to the project. The multi-year contracts with Pérez and Bottas underscore the team’s strategy of banking on proven talent as Formula 1 prepares for a fresh technical rules package in 2026.