Cadillac F1 candidate was 'blocked' from joining F1 team as Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez announced

One candidate was reportedly 'blocked' from joining Cadillac F1 after the new team announced Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez.

Taking to social media on Tuesday afternoon, the American team announced that the veteran pair will be their drivers for the 2026 season.

Mexican star Perez, 35, last raced in Formula 1 for Red Bull Racing in 2024, but was then replaced by Liam Lawson.

Meanwhile, 35-year-old Bottas was let go by Kick Sauber at the end of last season and is currently the reserve driver at Mercedes.

Speaking about the pair, chief executive officer of GM's (Cadillac's parent company) partner TWG Global, Dan Towriss said: "Their experience, leadership and technical acumen are what we need. We're humbled by their belief in us and this project.

"There is a young pool of drivers who are exiting and very talented so it was a tough decision. But it was the leadership of these two drivers that stood out."

Before Bottas and Perez were confirmed as Cadillac's drivers, a host of different names were linked.

According to The Athletic, the likes of Felipe Drugovich, Frederik Vesti, Jak Crawford and Zhou Guanyu were all considered.

Valtteri Bottas will be back on the F1 grid in 2026. Image: Getty

Meanwhile, American driver Colton Herta was also said to be in the running for a seat at Cadillac.

However, Herta's dream of driving in F1 was dashed due to him not being eligible for a superlicense.

The Athletic wrote: "Towriss noted Herta was still not eligible for an F1 superlicence, which is awarded on a points system relating to championship finishes in IndyCar and other series.

"The same issue prevented Herta from getting a seat with AlphaTauri (now Racing Bulls) for 2023."

Colton Herta was considered by Cadillac. Image: Getty

Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez break silence after Cadillac move confirmed

Speaking about his return to the sport, Bottas said: "From the moment I began speaking with the Cadillac Formula 1® Team, I felt something different – something ambitious but also grounded.

"This isn’t just a racing project; it’s a long-term vision. It's not every day that you get a chance to be part of something being built from the ground up and helping shape it into something that truly belongs on the F1® grid."

Perez added: "Joining the Cadillac Formula 1® Team is an incredibly exciting new chapter in my career. From our first conversations, I could sense the passion and determination behind this project. It's an honor to be part of a building a team that can develop together so that, in time, we will fight at the very front.

"Cadillac is a legendary name in American motorsport, and to help bring such a fantastic company to Formula 1 is a huge responsibility, one I’m confident of taking on. I’m proud to be part of such an ambitious and meaningful project from the very beginning. I’m really pleased to be part of such a dynamic line-up, and together I believe we can help shape this team into a real contender, the team of the Americas. We’re counting on support from across the continent – and we want to make everyone proud."