Rumors about possible changes to Cadillac's lineup for the 2026 Formula 1 season were ruled out by the team itself. Graeme Lowdon, director of the American team, assured that there is no plan to replace Valtteri Bottas nor are there grounds to support versions of an eventual departure of Sergio “Checo” Pérez to another structure on the grid.

Speculation had gained strength in recent days, especially those linking the American Colton Herta as a possible replacement for Bottas after the Monaco Grand Prix. However, Lowdon categorically rejected that possibility during a press conference.

"As for the rumours, and to be honest, I haven't read them all, they don't even seem to take into account some of the basic rules of Formula 1, because some suggest that Colton would be put in place to replace Valtteri in the next races, or something like that. Colton doesn't have the super license points, and to a certain extent, that probably says everything about the quality of some of the rumours, but I prefer not to focus on pointing out the obvious. I think the fans can see through all that...", stated the manager.

The clarification comes at an important time for Cadillac, which faces its first campaign in the highest category of motorsports. Both Pérez and Bottas are part of the team's inaugural project and are currently competing in a complex season, in which they have not yet managed to score points in the drivers' championship.

Cadillac rules out movements and supports its drivers

In addition to denying a possible replacement for Bottas, Lowdon also addressed the versions that placed Checo Pérez on the radar of other Formula 1 teams.

“It is very important to make it absolutely clear that there is not a shred of truth or evidence to support any of the rumors that suggest that Valtteri is at risk or that ‘Checo’ could leave for another team,” he declared.

The head of Cadillac insisted that the information disseminated lacks real support.

"I mean, there is absolutely no basis of truth in any of the rumors. I can say that categorically. Just... where do I start with the rumors themselves? I'm going to make it very, very clear in terms of facts: they are completely incorrect. There is no basis of truth in any of them," he added.

Lowdon also took the opportunity to highlight the role that both drivers play within an organization that is still in the construction phase while competing in the championship.

“Secondly, if we look at the work that both drivers are doing – both Valtteri and Checo (Pérez) – they are doing much more than what drivers from other teams have to do; this is because we are building the team at the same time as we compete, and that is a very unusual task,” he said.

The manager highlighted that, despite the limited results in the first races of the year, Pérez and Bottas have shown progress as they approach Q2 during the qualifying sessions.

With these statements, Cadillac closed the door to any speculation about immediate changes to its lineup and reaffirmed its confidence in the two drivers who are leading the team's project in its debut in Formula 1.