Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez are expected to bring stability to Cadillac: Ralf Schumacher explains why this makes sense—and where he sees doubts among the veterans
For former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher, the driver duo of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez at Cadillac makes sense “in a way.” Schumacher said this in the new edition of the Sky podcast “Backstage Boxengasse.”
Schumacher explained: “Cadillac has two winning drivers. Not many can claim that in Formula 1.“
Their experience with top teams in particular makes Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) and Sergio Perez (Red Bull) an asset for Cadillac. ”One has already worked alongside Lewis Hamilton, the other alongside Max Verstappen. So they bring something to the table.”
Why Bottas and Perez are a good choice
Would he have bet on Bottas/Perez as well? “I don’t know,” said Schumacher. “You can see this year that one or two young drivers are extremely successful. From a long-term perspective, a different choice could have been made.”
However, the advantage of Bottas and Perez is that they drive carefully and “don’t break anything,” Schumacher explained. “Especially in the first year, it’s important to have a certain consistency. You need drivers who know how to do that.” That was probably “the main reason” for signing the two veterans.
The question marks surrounding Bottas and Perez, according to Schumacher
However, neither Bottas nor Perez will be competing in Formula 1 races in 2025. “The question is really how fast he still is,” said Schumacher, referring to Bottas. “A year on the sidelines does something to a driver. But it actually benefits the team that he now has new motivation.”
With Perez, it will also be “interesting to see what level he is at,” according to Schumacher. “Is he as good as Bottas or even better? Then he has a good chance of rehabilitating himself – just like Alexander Albon. Because, of course, you always have this desire to come back and prove yourself again.”