67-podium F1 driver close to signing with Cadillac for 2026 season, reports Japanese outlet

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Cadillac are well aware that the clock is ticking down to their Formula 1 debut at the start of the 2026 season.

With new regulations coming into play, the 2026 F1 season is expected to be one of the most closely watched in recent memory. It’s set to give every team on the grid an equal shot at success.

It takes just one technical breakthrough for a team to pull ahead, similar to what happened with Brawn GP in 2009 when they took over from Honda and surprised everyone by dominating the early part of that season.

Jenson Button was driving for Brawn that year, and whoever ends up with Cadillac in 2026 will hope they’re stepping into a similar situation.

Cadillac’s team principal, Graeme Lowdon, has been evaluating his options in the driver market for quite some time now. With plenty of drivers out there who would love a spot on next year’s grid, picking just two will not be an easy task.

The latest reports suggest they may be closing in on Mercedes reserve driver Valtteri Bottas as their first signing.

Valtteri Bottas set to join Cadillac F1 for 2026 season

A recent report from as-web has shed more light on Cadillac’s search for their first Formula 1 drivers.

Bottas appears to have overtaken Sergio Perez in the team’s plans earlier this year, though there’s no indication yet that the two could end up paired together next season.

It’s believed that Bottas and Cadillac are nearing an agreement to work together in 2026.

According to Autosport Web, the terms of the contract are now set, but nothing has been signed yet.

This isn’t unusual in Formula 1, and there were similar reports last season when Bottas was close to rejoining Williams or signing with Sauber.

Cadillac representatives were seen at the British Grand Prix recently, speaking to several interested candidates.

Bottas is expected to take part in a test for Mercedes later this year, driving a modified car built to simulate next season’s technical regulations.

Alpine have not given up on Valtteri Bottas despite Cadillac links

The main obstacle for Cadillac isn’t salary demands anymore. It’s the fact that other teams are showing interest.

Certainly, Bottas will have some concerns about what to expect from the team when they hit the track. They may be a big name in American motorsport, but Formula 1 is a different challenge.

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Brawn GP are the rare example of a new team making an immediate impact. More often, it takes time to build momentum.

When Haas entered the sport, they managed to score points in their first season with Romain Grosjean. But their car was heavily supported by Ferrari parts, which gave them a noticeable advantage compared to other newcomers.

Lowdon won’t have that luxury, even if Cadillac are using Ferrari engines until General Motors enter the sport.

However, Alpine are very interested in signing Bottas for this season to replace the struggling Franco Colapinto.

It’s up to Cadillac to convince Bottas that they’re worth waiting for, rather than joining the Anglo-French team, who will be a Mercedes customer outfit from 2026 onwards.