#77 · Cadillac
Valtteri Bottas
Five seasons as Lewis Hamilton's teammate at Mercedes (2017–2021), ten career wins, two-time runner-up. Joined the new Cadillac team for its inaugural season.
Why he matters
Bottas is one of two Cadillac signings designed to give the new team an experienced, race-winning lineup from day one. His Mercedes years were prolific (10 wins, 20 poles, two championship runner-up finishes) and his Sauber/Audi-precursor years were a quiet, well-respected midfield existence. Cadillac chose him for development input, race-craft, and the moments where the new team finds itself unexpectedly close to a podium.
How he drives
Smooth, conservative on tyre wear, exceptional starts (he and Hamilton frequently swapped front-row order in the first 100 metres of races). He’s not the most aggressive overtaker, but he holds position well.
Watch for
- Race starts. Bottas remains one of the best on the grid off the line.
- His relationship with teammate Pérez: two ex-top-team drivers, both with championship-contender pedigree, both rebuilding their narratives.
- His radio when angry: almost never, but when it happens it’s quietly Finnish and devastating.
Career receipts
Through the 2026 season
10
Race wins
67
Podiums
20
Pole positions
0
Championships
Last race
Decoder breakdown of the most recent round