Cadillac have made a Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas contract decision that Red Bull drivers can only dream of

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Preparation is now ramping up ahead of Cadillac’s Formula 1 debut in just over four months at pre-season testing.

The North American outfit finally announced its two drivers heading into the 2026 F1 regulations, ending months of speculation last week.

They’re bringing a strong blend of experience and speed to the grid, with both Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas tasked with spearheading their charge.

Cadillac will be powered by Ferrari engines for two years before switching to its own units in 2028, when they’re ready. Both drivers have experience with the Scuderia’s horsepower in Formula 1.

Perez has a ‘special’ clause in his Cadillac contract, which could see him benefit from the sales of merchandise while he is there. He does have a significant fanbase.

After Bottas ‘lost interest’ in Sauber, his new team will be tasked with re-energising him and making sure that he can be the one to lead them into the midfield beyond next year.

READ MORE: Ralf Schumacher names the driver who should inspire Sergio Perez as he prepares for Cadillac comeback

Cadillac’s Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas contract clause decision is something Red Bull drivers can only dream of

Mercedes have now ‘come to an agreement’ with Cadillac over when they will release Bottas from his reserve driver duties, freeing him up for their preparations.

Peculiarly, both Bottas and Perez are actually the first and second highest point scorers of all time without a title to their name.

Ferrari are ‘expected’ to help Perez and Bottas with tests in cars of their own, to help them reacclimatise with the race track before next January.

Another thing that will put them at ease, as reported by The Race, is that there is ‘no indication’ that they have any break clauses within their deals that could put their futures at threat.

It’s the sort of long-term security that Perez and some of his colleagues couldn’t afford at Red Bull, with short deals and clauses always in the mix.

It makes his Cadillac deal the sort of thing that their drivers can only dream of, but Isack Hadjar won’t be too bothered as a Red Bull promotion beckons.

READ MORE: Ralf Schumacher admits he has one question mark over Cadillac signing Valtteri Bottas

What Cadillac staff did after the announcement of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas

With Perez and Bottas under contract until the end of 2027, Cadillac have secured some stability, which will be vital for their progress.

Cadillac staff cheered and applauded the announcement of their drivers, which shows how popular they should be at the team.

It represents the toughest challenge of their career so far, to turn a team into a contender from day one, which other teams have proven is tricky before.

Just look at the likes of HRT, Virgin and Lotus from the 2010 cohort. None of them were in the sport longer than seven years, which says it all.