Cadillac urged to rethink Valtteri Bottas signing, consider Ferrari links instead

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Cadillac are set to join the Formula 1 grid in 2026 as the sport’s 11th team, and attention has already turned to who might fill their two seats.

The addition of Cadillac means there will be more than 20 spots available for the first time since 2016, providing opportunities for young drivers looking to step up, as well as experienced names still eager for a return.

With the team’s first test scheduled for January, they are expected to lock in their line-up well before then to make use of early feedback ahead of pre-season testing.

Many fans have linked Cadillac with ex-Formula 1 drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas. However, speaking on the Pelas Pistas podcast, former driver Nelson Piquet Jr voiced his concerns over one of those choices.

Nelson Piquet Jr advises Cadillac not to sign Valtteri Bottas

There are rumours that Bottas is close to signing with the team, and the Finnish driver has even dropped hints about the move on social media.

Piquet Jr believes Cadillac’s link with Ferrari as their engine supplier should open up other options in the market.

“I think Alpine makes more sense for Bottas because of the Mercedes connection. They’ll be racing with Mercedes engines [in 2026] and from there he goes to Ferrari.

“Why wouldn’t you pick someone from the Ferrari family? I don’t know if Bottas would leave the Mercedes family. I don’t think it makes much sense both commercially and for Cadillac itself as a driver.”

Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez offer experience for Cadillac

Both Perez and Bottas are the most seasoned drivers currently without contracts, with the Finn having participated in several tests with Mercedes this year.

Cadillac, no longer targeting solely American drivers, could pair the experienced 35-year-old Perez with a rookie.

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Meanwhile, Bottas does not have the same financial support as others, such as the Mexican driver or Zhou Guanyu, which is something a brand like Cadillac might want to tap into in certain markets.

There are also reports suggesting Cadillac may be leaning towards Felipe Drugovich over the Finnish star, having been impressed by his performances as Aston Martin’s reserve driver.