Scuderia Ferrari Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton has opened up about Cadillac F1 announcing Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas as its driver lineup when it enters the grid next year.

After many interviews and much speculation, F1’s eleventh team, Cadillac, revealed its driver lineup in recent weeks and explained that it preferred drivers with extensive premier class racing experience. Bottas and Perez join the American outfit with a wealth of F1 experience, having raced for midfield and championship-winning teams.

Hamilton admitted that he misses working with Bottas, who he raced alongside at Mercedes from 2017 to 2021. When asked what Cadillac F1 could expect from the drivers, the seven-time world champion said:

“I don’t need to say anything about his talent because he’s shown that throughout his career. But [they’re] getting one of the most honest, probably the funniest, Finns I would imagine, and just the most genuine person to work with. I miss working with him.”

Hamilton claimed that Cadillac F1 made the right choice with Perez and Bottas, who he believes will help the team grow faster. He added:

“I think they’ve chosen the right guys. Obviously, we’ll see with Sergio as well, he’s got great experience. That knowledge that they both bring from two great teams will help them progress faster.”

Perez parted ways with Red Bull Racing after the 2024 season, pausing his F1 career, while Bottas departed the Sauber F1 team. When asked if it was good to have two experienced drivers back in the sport, Hamilton said:

“I think it’s amazing to have an extra team, and I think for a team to be able to develop, you have to have drivers who have experience, especially when it’s a brand new team.

“You’ve got two different flavours coming from Red Bull and Mercedes with different knowledge and experience that they’ll both be able to put into the pot and help the team move forward faster.”

Cadillac F1 confirmed its driver lineup for the 2025 season at the end of last month. Speaking about his full-time racing return, Bottas said:

“From the moment I began speaking with the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, I felt something different – something ambitious but also grounded. This isn’t just a racing project; it’s a long-term vision. It’s not every day that you get a chance to be part of something being built from the ground up and helping shape it into something that truly belongs on the F1 grid.

“I’ve had the honor of working with some of the best teams in the world, and I can already see the same professionalism and hunger here. This is an iconic brand with a big legacy in American motorsport, and to be a part of the story as it enters the world stage of F1 is incredibly special for me. I’m looking forward to representing the American spirit of racing on the greatest circuits in the world. I’d also like to thank Mercedes for their unwavering support and sportsmanship in facilitating such an exciting step.”

Perez added:

“Joining the Cadillac Formula 1 Team is an incredibly exciting new chapter in my career. From our first conversations, I could sense the passion and determination behind this project. It’s an honor to be part of a building a team that can develop together so that, in time, we will fight at the very front. Cadillac is a legendary name in American motorsport, and to help bring such a fantastic company to Formula 1 is a huge responsibility, one I’m confident of taking on.

“I’m proud to be part of such an ambitious and meaningful project from the very beginning. I’m really pleased to be part of such a dynamic line-up, and together I believe we can help shape this team into a real contender, the team of the Americas. We’re counting on support from across the continent – and we want to make everyone proud.”