I've been following Formula 1 for many years, and I genuinely believe the sport has never been as popular as it is now, thanks not only to the race schedule but also to Netflix's Drive to Survive series. The show has allowed us to understand the sport—and the drivers—on a whole new level, far beyond what happens on the track.
As you probably know, Cadillac will join the starting grid next year, and anticipation is high. Until recently, everyone was asking which drivers the manufacturer would choose, and I believe the brand couldn't have made a better decision.
The drivers behind the wheel of Cadillac F1 cars next year will be Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas. Both have plenty of experience and talent. Unfortunately, neither has ever fully shined, as they've competed in the shadows of great drivers like Max Verstappen at Red Bull and Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes.
Pérez made his Formula 1 debut with Sauber in 2011 and achieved his first podium in 2012, just one year after entering the sport. He is best known for one of the most spectacular comebacks in F1 history, moving from 18th to 1st place after being hit during a race.
Valtteri Bottas is an experienced and highly talented driver. The Finnish racer joined Williams in 2013 before moving to Mercedes in 2017. He has always impressed with his consistency and composure. Bottas finished 2nd in the championship in 2019 and 2020, which is no small feat. He is also the fastest driver in Formula 1 history, having reached a top speed of 378 km/h at the 2016 Mexican Grand Prix.
If you've watched Drive to Survive on Netflix, you know that both drivers have very charismatic personalities and are capable of remarkable consistency. These qualities will give Cadillac a team with experience and a maturity not always found in other teams. In short, we can only hope the car lives up to expectations, and if it does, Cadillac could surprise us all—even in its very first year in Formula 1.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
