Overview

• Cadillac confirmed Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas as its race lineup for its 2026 entry, finalizing the new team’s driver plans earlier this week.
• Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said the team will part ways with Bottas at year-end, praising his 2025 contributions as Third Driver and mentor to Kimi Antonelli.
• The pairing drew mixed reaction in the paddock, with Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko describing the choice as conservative while noting Pérez’s renewed motivation.
• Frederik Vesti voiced frustration at missing out after serving as a Mercedes junior and Cadillac sportscar driver, and Mick Schumacher was floated by Ralf Schumacher as a preferable option.
• Pérez returns to the grid after his 2024 exit from Red Bull and Bottas comes back to a race seat following a reserve year at Mercedes following his Sauber spell.