Lewis Hamilton Praises Cadillac F1’s Driver Selection of Perez and Bottas
Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton has shared his thoughts on Formula One’s newest team, Cadillac, and their decision to sign Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas for their debut season. After weeks of speculation, the American outfit confirmed its driver lineup, prioritizing experience over youth as they prepare to become F1’s eleventh team. Hamilton, who spent five seasons as teammates with Bottas at Mercedes, was particularly enthusiastic about his former colleague’s return to the grid, describing him as “the most genuine person to work with.” The seven-time world champion’s comments reflect not just his personal relationship with these drivers but also his understanding of what it takes for a new team to establish itself in the competitive world of Formula One.
Hamilton expressed particular fondness for Bottas, with whom he forged a strong professional relationship during their time together at Mercedes from 2017 to 2021. “I don’t need to say anything about his talent because he’s shown that throughout his career,” Hamilton remarked, before adding that Cadillac would be “getting one of the most honest, probably the funniest, Finns I would imagine, and just the most genuine person to work with.” The Ferrari driver’s admission that “I miss working with him” offered a glimpse into the personal connection that developed between the two drivers during their partnership at Mercedes, where they helped secure multiple constructors’ championships. Hamilton’s warm words highlight the human side of a sport often dominated by technical discussions and competitive rivalries.
From a strategic perspective, Hamilton endorsed Cadillac’s approach of prioritizing experience over potential, noting that both Perez and Bottas bring valuable insights from their time at championship-winning teams. “I think they’ve chosen the right guys,” Hamilton stated, emphasizing that “that knowledge that they both bring from two great teams will help them progress faster.” This assessment reflects Hamilton’s understanding of team development, recognizing that a new entrant like Cadillac needs drivers who can provide immediate feedback and direction rather than those who might still be finding their footing in the sport. The combination of Perez’s Red Bull experience and Bottas’s Mercedes background creates what Hamilton called “two different flavors” of knowledge that could accelerate Cadillac’s development curve.
The addition of Cadillac to the Formula One grid represents a significant expansion for the sport, particularly in the valuable North American market. Hamilton acknowledged this broader context, saying, “I think it’s amazing to have an extra team,” before elaborating on why experienced drivers are crucial for a new entrant. “For a team to be able to develop, you have to have drivers who have experience, especially when it’s a brand new team,” he explained. This statement reflects not just Hamilton’s personal preference but his understanding of the complex technical challenge facing any new Formula One outfit. The American team will be entering a sport where established competitors have decades of accumulated knowledge and data, making the experience of drivers like Perez and Bottas potentially invaluable in helping them close that gap more quickly.
For their part, both Perez and Bottas have expressed enthusiasm about joining the Cadillac project, seeing it as an opportunity to help build something new in Formula One. Bottas, who departed from Sauber (soon to become Audi), described feeling “something different – something ambitious but also grounded” in his conversations with Cadillac. “This isn’t just a racing project; it’s a long-term vision,” he stated, highlighting the appeal of “being part of something being built from the ground up.” Similarly, Perez, who left Red Bull after the 2024 season, spoke about sensing “the passion and determination behind this project” and described joining Cadillac as “an incredibly exciting new chapter” in his career. Both drivers emphasized the significance of representing an iconic American brand on the global stage of Formula One, with Perez specifically mentioning their ambition to become “the team of the Americas.”
The entry of Cadillac into Formula One, with its selection of Perez and Bottas, represents a thoughtful approach to building a competitive team from scratch. Hamilton’s endorsement of their driver choices underscores the importance of experience in navigating the complexities of Formula One development. As the sport continues to expand its global footprint, particularly in the United States, the addition of an American manufacturer with experienced drivers at the helm could help accelerate interest and engagement. While the road ahead for Cadillac will undoubtedly present challenges, the team’s decision to prioritize proven talent suggests a pragmatic understanding of what it takes to establish a foothold in the world’s most technologically advanced motorsport. As Hamilton noted, the combination of different perspectives from Red Bull and Mercedes could provide Cadillac with a unique advantage as they embark on their Formula One journey.
