Formula 1 fans have been buzzing with excitement since the news broke that Valtteri Bottas will be back on the grid for the 2026 season, this time driving for the new American team, Cadillac. And Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff couldn’t be happier hearing this great news. Here’s a look at what Toto Wolff said about Bottas joining Cadillac and what it means for the Finnish driver’s career.
Is Valtteri Bottas A Good Fit?
Valtteri Bottas is no stranger to Mercedes, having raced for the Silver Arrows from 2017 to 2021. During that time, he won 10 Grands Prix and was an important part of Mercedes’ dominance by helping secure five consecutive Constructors’ Championships. After leaving Mercedes in 2021, Bottas spent some time at Alfa Romeo/Sauber before stepping away from a full-time race seat at the end of 2024. However, he stayed with Mercedes as a reserve and third driver through 2025, offering his vast experience and support behind the scenes.
Toto Wolff On The News
Toto Wolff has a lot of respect for Bottas and thinks the Finn still has a lot to offer on the track. Wolff said, “It is great to see Valtteri regain his place on the F1 grid for next year.” Wolff praised Bottas for his consistent pace and reliability and described him as someone who could instantly step into a race and perform at the highest level.
“He still has so much to offer as a racing driver and deserves to be lining up in Melbourne for the 2026 season. We will, of course, be sad to see him go. He has played an important role in our team, and his contribution as our Third Driver this year has been exemplary. For now, we will continue that work until the end of the year before wishing him well for next year and beyond,” said Wolff.
What Does Bottas Think About His Comeback?
The move to Cadillac is a fresh start for Bottas and a very exciting one. Cadillac is entering Formula 1 for the first time in 2026, backed by General Motors and led by experienced motorsport veterans. Bottas himself has shared that joining Cadillac is not just about racing; it’s about being part of a new ambitious project right from the beginning. He said, “Yeah, I think for me, of course, when I kind of tried to do the planning, you know, how to get back to full-time racing, it was definitely the right thing to do. And again, like, big thanks to Mercedes for giving me the opportunity to be in that role, you know, to be heavily involved…,”
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This pairing of Bottas with Cadillac is also interesting because of the team’s other driver, Sergio Perez, a six-time Grand Prix winner. Together, they form a strong and experienced lineup that could help Cadillac hit the ground running when F1 welcomes this new entrant in 2026.
So, as the 2026 season approaches, keep an eye on Valtteri Bottas and Cadillac. This partnership could shake up the paddock and add a new and exciting dimension to Formula 1’s ever-evolving world.
Also read: How Much Experience Do Bottas And Perez Bring Together To Cadillac
