Sergio Perez has already had the pleasure of completing a test in Imola with Cadillac for the 2026 Formula 1 season, while his future teammate Valtteri Bottas still has to be patient. In contrast to the Mexican, the Finn was not allowed to sit in the borrowed Ferrari from 2023 and gain his first experience with the US factory team. What’s behind it?
Bottas is currently still under contract with Mercedes and took part in a tire test for Toto Wolff’s team in Mexico. The 36-year-old will only finally join Cadillac after the 2025 season finale in Abu Dhabi, but is currently staying fit thanks to his role in the competition.
That’s why Cadillac team boss Graeme Lowdon has no doubts that Bottas will be perfectly prepared for his first test with his new employer. He says: “He has taken part in a lot of TPC tests for Mercedes and has shown a lot all year round. So we have no worries whatsoever.”
Bottas comes after the 2025 final
Lowdon confirms: “We’ll get him to Abu Dhabi and we can’t wait any longer. He’s a guy we can work well with. I know him very well and he’s very enthusiastic. Mercedes was really very cooperative and helpful.” However, Bottas has not yet been able to test the seat for the 2026 Cadillac car.
Lowdon highlights the role of Mercedes team boss Wolff, who did not put any hurdles in Cadillac’s way. “It would be a loss for Formula 1,” said Lowdon about his two experienced warriors. “Both Checo and Valtteri still have a lot to offer Formula 1. If both of them had no longer had a chance in the sport, it would have been a bitter loss for Formula 1.”
Experience, that’s why Cadillac chose Perez and Bottas. Together, the Mexican and the Finn have 527 starts and 16 Grand Prix victories. “They’re two fast guys,” explains Lowdon. “Race winners with 16 wins and 106 podiums. They drove for different teams and bring the experience we need for our job.”
Perez in the old Ferrari with a Cadillac on the track
While Bottas has to be patient, Perez was able to gain his first experience with Cadillac in a borrowed Ferrari in Imola. “I think he will return to Formula 1 with the right attitude,” says Lowdon about the Mexican. “It’s a positive attitude, he’s a real racing driver.”
“He hasn’t been in the car for a long time, so it was good to see him in the cockpit,” said the team boss about the Imola test. “I was excited to see how he did physically because these cars are hard on the neck. It’s difficult to prepare that area of the body for what’s happening in the vehicle.”
“There are all the little muscles,” Lowdon said. “I know everyone goes to the gym, stretches their necks and lifts weights with them. But it’s hard to simulate what happens in the car: the vibrations, the sharp focus and the violence of driving the vehicles.”
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“It’s great to see him with us – and the fans too,” says Lowdon happily. “His fans appear out of nowhere everywhere! There were groups that were at the gates of the track. I don’t know how they figure it all out, but it’s impressive.” The Mexican Grand Prix is said to be already sold out: “I heard that too, it’s very popular in Mexico.”