Franco Colapinto posts two-word reaction to Sergio Perez signing for Cadillac F1 in 2026

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Cadillac have confirmed the news that everyone has been waiting for ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season.

Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas will return to the grid next season as Cadillac’s first driver line-up.

Both drivers lost their seats at Red Bull and Sauber, respectively, at the end of last season, and have had different approaches to the current campaign.

Bottas has been aiding Andrea Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes as their reserve driver, while also taking part in various marketing activities for the team.

Perez, on the other hand, has kept a much lower profile and not been spotted in an F1 paddock since last season’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Both Perez and Bottas were linked with Alpine, but in the end, the opportunity to work on a brand new project appears to have enticed them back onto the grid.

Alpine have only confirmed one of their drivers for next season, with Pierre Gasly committed until at least the end of the 2026 season.

It leaves Franco Colapinto as the man under pressure, and while his seat isn’t safe, he was thrilled to see a fellow Spanish speaker back on the grid next year.

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

Franco Colapinto reacts to Sergio Perez signing for Cadillac

The caption of Perez’s Instagram message read: “Do you remember when I told you we would meet again?”

However, the video itself delivered a much longer response to his new venture into F1 and read: “Remember when I said we’d meet again?

“It’s not just about me, I raced with my family, with my friends, with your cheer in every turn.

“With the hopes of millions who shared my dreams. I’ll always be grateful for your support.

“That’s why today I say, I’m not back alone. The roar of a country is back, the strength of a continent is back, millions of hearts are back.

“This is the next chapter. We are back.”

In response to this message, former Ferrari drivers Felipe Massa and Jean Alesi applauded his imminent return to the grid.

Alpine star Franco Colapinto also reacted, simply saying: “Vamos checoooooooo,” which translates to, “Let’s go Checo!”

READ MORE: Who is Alpine 2025 F1 driver Franco Colapinto? Everything you need to know

Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas’ first jobs at Cadillac revealed after 2026 F1 confirmation

A report from Motorsport has shared more details about what Bottas and Perez will be doing between now and the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season.

Cadillac have offered big money to existing F1 staff to help bolster their ranks, as they look to bring in as much experience as possible before next year’s Australian Grand Prix.

They’re in a race against time, and a large clock placed at the factory, to be ready for testing in January, although their first outing will be behind closed doors, with fans and the media banned from the Circuit de Catalunya.

The report suggests that Perez and Bottas will now begin working in the team’s simulator, ‘collaborate on chassis development’, as well as give their insight into pit stops and the team’s engineering methods.

Cadillac have to establish a working culture as quickly as possible, which won’t be easy with new staff arriving all the time.

However, Perez and Bottas can bring the best parts of Red Bull and Mercedes with them to try and give them the best possible head start.