Valtteri Bottas has emotionally said goodbye to Mercedes as he prepares to join the new Cadillac F1 team in 2026. The 36-year-old Finn served as Mercedes’ reserve driver throughout the 2025 season after Sauber decided not to renew his contract following 2024.
Bottas parted ways with the Brackley squad, where he raced alongside Lewis Hamilton from 2017 to 2021, after the final race of the year in Abu Dhabi. Having won 10 Grands Prix, Bottas has secured a full-time racing seat with Cadillac alongside ex-Red Bull driver Sergio Perez for the upcoming season.
In a heartfelt message on social media, Bottas thanked Mercedes for the opportunity to be their third driver during his “gap year,” expressing deep respect for the team and the sport. He wished them well in their future projects and hinted at seeing them again soon.
Cadillac officially welcomed Bottas to their team on Monday, sharing a photo of him with the slogan “The time is now.” Mercedes granted him permission to begin working with Cadillac immediately after the season finale. Bottas has already begun fitting into the team, notably creating a driving seat tailored for him, which he showcased in a video posted by Cadillac.
Fan Take: This move is a significant moment for racing enthusiasts as it marks the entry of a seasoned driver into a fresh team, which could shake up the dynamics on the grid. Bottas joining Cadillac adds excitement and depth to the competition, potentially pushing the sport into a new era of intense rivalry and innovation.
