Key Highlights
- Valtteri Bottas claims that Carlos Sainz’s signing for Williams pushed him towards the Cadillac seat in 2026.
- Bottas was close to signing with Williams but instead opted for a deal with the new Cadillac Formula 1 team, partnering with Sergio Perez.
- Williams opted for Carlos Sainz over Bottas, leading to the Finnish driver joining Cadillac.
The Shift in F1: Bottas’ Decision to Join Cadillac
In a surprising turn of events for Formula 1 fans, former Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas has revealed that his decision to join Cadillac for the 2026 season was influenced by Williams’ signing of Carlos Sainz. According to an interview with Motorsport Week in Austin, Texas, Bottas shared his thoughts on why he ultimately chose the new team.
The Close Call with Williams
Bottas disclosed that he was “pretty close” to signing a deal with Williams for 2026. He explained, “Last year, we had the contract already, so it was pretty close.” However, his plans were altered when Sainz joined Williams, pushing him towards Cadillac.
Quotes from Bottas emphasize the impact of Sainz’s move: “Carlos Sainz happened.” – Valtteri Bottas. This straightforward statement underscores the decisive role Sainz played in shaping Bottas’ future plans.
Cadillac’s Vision and Bottas’ Decision
Bottas expressed his excitement about joining Cadillac, stating that he felt “something different” from the start of his discussions with the team. He described it as a “long-term vision,” highlighting the ambition and professionalism present within the new setup.
On announcing the 2026 line-up, Bottas said: “From the moment I began speaking with the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, I felt something different – something ambitious but also grounded.” He further elaborated on the opportunity to be part of a project being built from the ground up, adding that it was “not every day” he gets such an honor. His experience with top teams like Mercedes and Red Bull added weight to his positive assessment of Cadillac’s prospects.
The Line-Up: Bottas and Perez
Bottas will join former Red Bull driver Sergio Perez at the 11th team on the F1 grid for the upcoming season. This pairing brings together two experienced drivers, each with a decade of racing in top teams. The collaboration is expected to be crucial as Cadillac aims to make its mark in Formula 1.
The decision by Williams to sign Sainz over Bottas was significant, given that both drivers had strong credentials and experience.
However, it ultimately led to a reshuffle in the F1 landscape for the 2026 season. As the new campaign approaches, all eyes will be on how Cadillac and its experienced duo perform on the track.
Stay tuned as we follow the developments in the 2026 Formula 1 season, where history is being made with each passing race.
