Craig Slater reveals what he saw Cadillac staff do after the announcement of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas

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After months of debate and speculation, Cadillac have finally announced who will be at the wheel of their first F1 cars ahead of their maiden season in the sport.

Cadillac announced the signings of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, with both drivers returning to the Formula 1 grid after losing their seats with Red Bull and Sauber, respectively, at the end of the 2024 season.

The announcement ended a months-long debate on who would be leading the team on the tarmac during their inaugural F1 season. Cadillac rejected a number of drivers in their behind-the-scenes discussions, settling on Perez and Bottas due to the crucial experience they bring with them.

Martin Brundle has warned Perez and Bottas that they’re in for a frustrating few early months with the team, citing the new era of F1’s 2026 regulations as something that may cause the team teething issues.

READ MORE: Cadillac driver Valtteri Bottas’ life outside F1 from girlfriend to wine and gin

Cadillac staff cheered and applauded the announcement of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas

A crucial factor in the experience that the new constructor’s new drivers bring with them is both of their respective stints driving title-winning F1 cars.

Due to this, Cadillac hope that Perez and Bottas can guarantee results from the first race, something they may not get under a driver with less experience.

Perez spent four seasons at Red Bull Racing, winning two constructors’ championships at the team alongside the dominant Max Verstappen. In turn, Bottas spent five seasons at Mercedes and helped them to win the constructors’ title in every one of them.

Speaking to Perez at the team’s facility as part of Sky Sports F1’s podcast, The F1 Show, Craig Slater revealed the reaction he saw from Cadillac staff after they were made aware of who would be driving the car they are currently in the midst of building.

“I was there when they announced that you were joining, along with Valtteri, to the staff, and there were cheers, and there was applause,” Slater said, before adding, “So they’re looking forward to having you.”

READ MORE: Cadillac driver Sergio Perez’s life outside F1 from net worth to nickname

Cadillac had to speak to Red Bull regarding Sergio Perez’s ‘desire’ to return to a full-time drive in F1

During his chat with Perez following the announcement, Slater also revealed that Cadillac had spoken to his former employers at Red Bull, saying, “The team here at Cadillac, they wanted to speak to Red Bull to know if you still had the desire to go for 24 races on a Formula One season.”

Perez’s spell at the Austrian constructor ended after both parties agreed to terminate his contract following a winless 2024 season that saw teammate Max Verstappen win his fourth consecutive title. Red Bull’s failure to win the constructors’ title that season was owed to Perez’s struggles in the car.

The decision to sack Perez came just months after Red Bull offered him a contract extension despite starting the season on the back foot. Cadillac may have made a similar mistake, as his new multi-year deal at the newcomers will see him through to the end of 2027, with an option for 2028.

However, F1 fans believe Cadillac have made the correct decision in securing the signature of both former drivers. As two fan-favourites, the excitement to see them both make their returns to the grid after an arguably untimely exit is very real.