Valtteri Bottas REVEALS why he chose Cadillac!

Opening thoughts: why this move matters

“They are pretty serious about this. They’re not here for fun.” That line says a lot. Joining a brand-new Formula 1 project is never just about a logo on the car. For me it became a priority — something I wanted to be part of and to help build from day one.

The Cadillac entry came late in the timeline, which meant the whole operation had to be fast and focused. People were hiring constantly, the factory was expanding and even building facilities in the United States. You could see the emotion the first time the car ran: people were genuinely moved, some even brought to tears. That reaction told me everything I needed to know — this team is committed and hungry.

Why Cadillac? Timing, experience and the team dynamic

Negotiations with Cadillac started more than two years ago, in that slow-burn way these things often do. Initial talks began before the team had official confirmation of entry. Once the entry was secured, talks turned serious and fast. For me, Cadillac became my next project — clear as that.

The team chose two experienced drivers intentionally. That made sense to me. A new outfit doesn’t benefit from internal rivalry between teammates trying to out-perform one another; it benefits from a calm pairing that can provide consistent feedback and work in harmony. Experience reduces uncertainty and helps the engineers move forward more quickly.

Keeping connected: reserve duties, technical meetings and staying ready

Being a reserve driver is a strange balance. You have to stay race ready, physically and mentally, but you also spend a lot of time on the sidelines. Phones are on, you join technical meetings, and you stay involved — but most of the time you watch rather than drive. That watching part is the hardest. You want to be in the seat.

One near-miss that sticks in my mind happened in Baku. I woke up to someone banging on my door — Paul Harris, who travels with me, telling me to get ready because I might be driving. George had been ill overnight and there was a chance he couldn’t make it. I went through the pre-race checks, felt the adrenaline, only for George to recover just before the session. It’s a strange emotional roller coaster: the spike of excitement followed by the calm of knowing you were prepared but didn’t get the run. Over a year as a reserve for Mercedes, Williams and McLaren, I never actually got a session during a race weekend, but that doesn’t make the role any less demanding.

Memories that stick: first win and favourite tracks

Some moments don’t fade. My first win — in Russia in 2017 — is one of them. The feeling is unique, surreal even. Those highlights remind you why you put up with the bumps and the uncertainty.

People often ask about favourite tracks. If I had to name one, it’s Monaco. Japan is up there too because of the flowing layout and the elevation changes. These circuits just suit the feeling of an F1 car in a way that’s hard to beat.

Home away from home: Australia, the vineyard retreat and simple pleasures

Life outside the paddock matters. I spend time in McLaren Vale at our vineyard retreat, which is a working vineyard with accommodation. It gives a different pace to the travel-heavy F1 life. I still live in Monaco, so Australia isn’t a base for the season, but I see myself spending more time there in the future — maybe even moving permanently one day.

Small comforts count. I have a private sauna at the retreat and plans to add a sauna and an ice pad for guests next to the hot tub. The place has become a real home away from home for me. There’s a relaxed, friendly vibe in town, and Australians have been incredibly supportive — Melbourne fans, in particular, have always been enthusiastic.

Bumps and bangs: crashes, recovery and perspective

Crashes are part of the job and they leave impressions beyond the dents. The most painful on-track crash for me happened in Australia, Q3. I went a bit wide at turn one, clipped the curb, had wheel spin and slid into the wall. The lateral impact rattled my legs in a way that really hurt. Off-track incidents happen too — I remember hitting a tree in Finland when I was 18, a reminder of how quickly things can change and how lucky I was to walk away unharmed.

Those moments teach patience and respect for the limits of speed. They also make the quieter wins and simple days at the retreat feel sweeter.

A piece of history: the 1988 Lola in North Adelaide

Finding a vintage F1 car parked in North Adelaide was a cool reminder of the sport’s history. The Lola LC88 in pristine, restored condition gives you perspective on how everything has evolved — from the cramped cockpit to the three-pedal layout and how drivers fit into cars back then. That particular chassis ran in five Grands Prix, including Adelaide where it scored points. Restoring such a car is a labour of love and speaks to the heritage that still underpins modern racing.

Closing thoughts

Joining a new team is about more than headlines. It’s about people, structure and ambition. Cadillac’s entry felt deliberate and serious, and that environment — one focused on growth, on teamwork and on building something real — is exactly where I wanted to be next. Between the engineering meetings, reserve duties, the odd near-miss, and the quiet moments in the vineyard, it all adds up to a chapter I’m excited to write.

FAQ

Why did you choose to join Cadillac?

The team showed serious commitment, rapid growth and a clear plan. They wanted experienced drivers to provide stable feedback and help develop the team. That alignment made it an easy decision for me.

Were you involved with Cadillac while you were a reserve at Mercedes?

Yes. Even as a reserve I took part in technical meetings and stayed in contact. Modern communication makes it easy to contribute without being at every race.

What was the closest you came to driving while a reserve?

Baku was the closest. I woke to someone banging on my door early in the morning because George was ill. I went through the process but George recovered just before the session, so I didn’t get to jump in.

Do you spend a lot of time in Australia?

I split my time. I still live in Monaco, but I visit the vineyard retreat in McLaren Vale whenever possible. It’s a real base for relaxation and a place I can see myself spending more time in the future.

What are your favourite tracks?

Monaco is my top pick because of its layout and the unique feel of the car there. Japan is also a favourite due to its flow and elevation changes.