F1 Shake-Up: Bottas Linked to Cadillac’s 2026 Entry

Valtteri Bottas is reportedly in advanced talks with Cadillac F1 for 2026, fueling speculation over one of the grid’s hottest seats.

Valtteri Bottas has been spotted in conversation with a representative from Cadillac, the new Formula 1 team set to join the grid in 2026, during the Melbourne paddock.

Just a day earlier, the Finnish driver was also seen engaged in long discussions with Graeme Lowdon, the director of the future American team, as well as Pat Symonds, the technical consultant.

But this more “corporate” and seemingly advanced meeting with a Cadillac executive—who has chosen to remain anonymous—raises an important question: is this a good sign?

“I’m not going to tell you anything!” Bottas said with a grin.

“This seat will be highly sought after. Everyone will play their own cards, and I definitely have strong ones to play, thanks to my experience and my knowledge from being part of a top team like Mercedes.”

During the Melbourne Grand Prix weekend, Bottas also had to face recent remarks from his long-time former sponsor, Antti Aarnio-Wihuri. The businessman had recently stated:
“I wonder about someone whose entire career depended on us and who, overnight, cut all contact. We even facilitated his move to Mercedes. He would never have made it there without us.”

Bottas, however, is puzzled as to why these statements have resurfaced now.

“It felt a bit strange reading that because I’ve always believed I was grateful. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the partners who supported me throughout my career.”

“I’ve been very busy, and I haven’t seen Antti in a few years. I guess I’ll have to grab a coffee with him next time.”