Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas will be back on the same Formula 1 grid next season, with Bottas confirmed as one of Cadillac’s first drivers.
Bottas lost his seat at the end of last year as Sauber opted for an all-new line-up. He then rejoined Mercedes as a reserve driver.
Bottas was left without a race seat at the end of last season after Sauber decided to overhaul their line-up. He then took on a reserve role with Mercedes.
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Hamilton and Bottas spent five years together at Mercedes, where they built a strong partnership. When Bottas left in 2021, Hamilton called him the ‘best teammate he’s had the pleasure of working with’ (via ESPN).
Cadillac are expected to complete their first ever Formula One team by signing Sergio Perez – another experienced figure in the sport. Despite previous rivalries between Red Bull and Mercedes, Hamilton has always spoken highly of Perez.
Lewis Hamilton backs Cadillac’s decision to sign Valtteri Bottas
Speaking before the Dutch Grand Prix, Hamilton gave his support to Cadillac’s choices. The American team opted for experience over youth, a move that leans heavily on proven track records. Hamilton kept it short: “They’ve chosen the right guys.”
Bottas has come under some scrutiny ahead of his return. Ralf Schumacher, speaking with Sky Germany, questioned whether Bottas still has the pace for F1. Bottas is now 36 and went through his final year at Sauber without scoring a single point, though he was driving what was widely considered the weakest car on the grid.
But Hamilton believes there’s value beyond lap times. He feels Bottas deserves another shot and highlighted how his past Mercedes experience could be crucial in helping Cadillac establish themselves.
“I’m really happy for Valtteri,” he said. “He’s a good friend and deserves to come back. I know he’ll bring a lot of experience with him to a new team.
Sergio Perez on joining forces with Lewis Hamilton at Cadillac
Hamilton has had a tough start to life at Ferrari, and Bottas thinks some of that comes down to the power unit change. He went through something similar after leaving Mercedes.
Ferrari also leans more on engine braking, which has been another adjustment. Hamilton’s strength used to be in the braking zones, but he hasn’t looked as sharp there this year.
Despite these early struggles, Perez believes Hamilton will come good once he’s had time to adapt. The learning curve might just be part of the process.
Having two drivers with their level of experience is a rare move for a new team. While Martin Brundle expects some initial frustration given Cadillac’s likely place at the back of the grid, both drivers have committed to multi-year deals.
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