Valtteri Bottas Signs with Cadillac for 2026 F1 Return After Mercedes Stint

Finnish Formula One driver Valtteri Bottas is set for a dramatic grid return. He will race for the new Cadillac team starting in 2026. This move follows a year spent as a reserve driver for Mercedes. The announcement marks a significant career shift for the ten-time Grand Prix winner.Bottas brings vast experience to the American manufacturer’s new project. His career earnings and consistent performance have built a substantial net worth. This latest chapter offers him a leadership role in a brand-new team endeavor.

From Mercedes Reserve to Cadillac Leader

Bottas spent the 2025 season back at Mercedes. He served in a reserve and development driver capacity. His role provided crucial technical feedback during a competitive year.His new contract pairs him with Sergio Pérez at Cadillac. The team is a partnership between General Motors and the existing Sauber structure. This move effectively ends his direct ties with Mercedes, where he won most of his races.The financial terms of the Cadillac deal are undisclosed. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Bottas has a net worth of $40 million. His prior salaries at Mercedes and Alfa Romeo built this fortune over a decade in the sport.

Analyzing the Career Pivot and Market Impact

This transfer is a strategic reboot for the 36-year-old driver. It provides job security beyond the typical age for an F1 seat. It also positions him as a veteran anchor for a rookie manufacturer.For Cadillac, signing Bottas is a credibility coup. He offers proven speed, technical expertise, and a calm team presence. His experience will be invaluable for developing a car from the ground up.The broader driver market sees increased movement with the 2026 regulation changes. Bottas’s signing signals Cadillac’s serious ambitions. It also shows experienced drivers remain highly valued for new projects.

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Bottas’s journey back to a full-time seat underscores his enduring value. His substantial net worth is matched by his professional reputation. The Finnish driver now faces the unique challenge of building the Cadillac F1 legacy from zero.

Thought you’d like to know

What is Valtteri Bottas’s current net worth?

Valtteri Bottas has an estimated net worth of $40 million. This wealth accumulated from his salaries with top F1 teams like Mercedes and Williams. His career earnings from driving form the bulk of his fortune.

How many years did Bottas drive for Mercedes?

Bottas raced for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas team for five seasons, from 2017 to 2021. During this time, he won 10 races and helped secure multiple Constructors’ Championships for the team alongside Lewis Hamilton.

Why did Bottas leave Mercedes the first time?

Bottas was replaced by George Russell at Mercedes for the 2022 season. He then joined Alfa Romeo Sauber as their team leader, seeking a new challenge and a multi-year contract after his Mercedes tenure ended.

What team will Bottas drive for in 2026?

Valtteri Bottas will drive for the new Cadillac F1 team in the 2026 season. The team is a joint operation between General Motors and the current Sauber outfit, marking GM’s official works entry into the sport.

How much did Bottas earn at his peak?

At his peak with Mercedes, Bottas earned an estimated $10-$15 million per season. His publicly reported salary at Alfa Romeo was also around $10 million annually, according to career earnings summaries.