Helmut Marko observes that Cadillac is going for a safe approach for their entry into Formula 1 in 2026. The American team relies on experience with Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, a duo that according to the Red Bull Racing advisor can lay a strong foundation. In addition, Marko reveals that he called Perez when the news became known.
Cadillac will be on the F1 grid as of 2026. Where many other teams went for young drivers in 2025 in anticipation of the new regulations, the American racing stable relies on experience to build the new project.
“Cadillac has chosen the conservative road,” says Marko in conversation with Kleine Zeitung. “With Bottas and Perez, you know what you have at home.”
Marko called Perez about Cadillac
Marko speaks highly of Perez in particular. The Mexican achieved fluctuating results at Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen, but according to the 82-year-old advisor, he still has the qualities to compete at the top level.
“I called him and he is motivated. If he is motivated and the car suits him, then he is indeed back at the level where he once was”, states Marko.
For Perez, the move to Cadillac means a fresh start after his time at Red Bull, where he raced from 2021 until 2024.
The Mexican won multiple races, but since 2023, he increasingly struggled with the car. At Cadillac, he is getting in Bottas an equally experienced teammate, who had his greatest successes with Mercedes.
Read also
Popular on GPBlog
Toto Wolff sees a huge challenge for Red Bull and jokes: 'They're going to be sh*t'
An unexpected Monza surprise from Ferrari ahead of Italian Grand Prix
Tsunoda analyses Verstappen's choice: 'Maybe his approach didn't work'
