Marko calls Cadillac’s Perez-Bottas pairing ‘conservative’

Cadillac’s choice of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas for its 2026 Formula 1 debut is being described as safe but uninspiring.

Dr Helmut Marko, who oversaw Perez’s Red Bull exit last year, told Kleine Zeitung the American outfit has opted for caution.

“They’ve chosen the conservative route,” said Red Bull’s long-time motorsport advisor. “So they know what they have. I spoke with him (Perez) on the phone, and he’s motivated. If he’s motivated and the car is right, then he’ll definitely be back to the level he once was.”

Perez, 35, was ousted by Red Bull after a poor 2024 campaign, while Bottas spent 2025 as Mercedes’ reserve following a dispiriting final stint with Sauber. Sky Deutschland pundit Ralf Schumacher thinks both now face a career-defining test.

“2024 was very weak for Perez. He was in a mental hole,” said the former F1 driver. “Now at least it gets interesting - is he on par with Bottas or better? Then he can redeem himself, like Albon. No matter where the car is, the two are basically a match for each other. Whoever is significantly weaker will only stay in Formula 1 for a short time.”

Schumacher admitted it was a missed opportunity for his nephew Mick, who is now embedded in Alpine’s World Endurance Championship program.

“I’m staying out of it,” Ralf said, amid rumours Mick could yet join Cadillac’s sportscar ranks with a possible F1 reserve role attached.

“Cadillac has a strong package in endurance racing, although he’s now at home with Alpine and has consolidated his position.”

Another frustrated name is Frederik Vesti, already part of Cadillac’s sportscar effort and Mercedes’ reserve driver.

Once again leapfrogged by Bottas, the Dane told Viaplay: “It’s really frustrating not to be chosen. It was a really good opportunity for me to get into Formula 1. The only thing I can console myself with is that I was not chosen in favour of another young driver. T

his is the most conservative decision that could be made. The two drivers they signed are a good move in the first weekends and months, but they will quickly find out that there is more potential elsewhere.”

And Sauber rookie Gabriel Bortoleto also believes another Brazilian was worthy of the nod. “Felipe (Drugovich) is a great friend of mine, and I really feel like he deserved a chance to be in Formula 1,” he said.

“He’s a Formula 2 champion, so I believe everyone that wins F2 should have a chance. But it’s a big company – they have their reasons, and things like this happen.”