WATCH: Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas Play ‘Rapid Fire’ with ‘GMA’ – A Fun Glimpse into Cadillac’s F1 Future
Formula 1 fans got a treat this week as Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, the newly signed drivers for Cadillac’s 2026 debut, stepped into the spotlight for a lively “Rapid Fire” segment on Good Morning America (GMA). The duo, both 35-year-old veterans returning to the grid after a year off, fielded quick-fire questions backstage, showcasing their personalities ahead of the American team’s big entry into the sport. This playful interview highlights the excitement building around Cadillac’s F1 ambitions, blending humor with insights into their racing journeys.
The ‘Rapid Fire’ Segment: Quick Questions, Big Laughs
Backstage Banter on GMA
During the August 29, 2025, appearance on GMA, Perez and Bottas tackled rapid-fire queries designed to reveal their fun sides. The segment, captured in a short video clip, featured the drivers answering on topics like favorite foods, dream vacations, and F1 pet peeves. Perez, known as “Checo,” quipped about his love for Mexican tacos and his biggest racing fear—losing to a rookie teammate—while Bottas, the Finnish ace, shared his passion for cycling and saunas. The lighthearted exchange lasted just a few minutes but offered fans a rare, relaxed look at the pair who boast a combined 527 F1 starts and 16 Grand Prix wins.
Why GMA? Promoting Cadillac’s U.S. Roots
GMA, ABC’s flagship morning show, hosted the segment to celebrate Cadillac’s entry as F1’s 11th team, backed by General Motors. The interview aired as part of broader coverage on the team’s August 26 announcement, emphasizing the American brand’s push into global motorsport. With bases in the U.S. and UK, Cadillac aims to embody “the team of the Americas,” and this GMA spot helped bridge F1’s high-octane world with mainstream U.S. audiences.
Background: Perez and Bottas’ Road to Cadillac
Veteran Comebacks for a New Team
Sergio Perez, who last raced for Red Bull until his 2024 exit, brings six F1 victories and key contributions to Red Bull’s 2022-2023 constructors’ titles. After a tough final season, he took time for family before signing a multi-year deal with Cadillac. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes’ former wingman with 10 wins and five constructors’ championships (2017-2021), spent 2024 at Sauber and 2025 as Mercedes’ reserve before this opportunity. Team principal Graeme Lowdon praised their “leadership, feedback, and speed” as essential for building from scratch, using Ferrari engines initially before GM’s 2029 power unit.
The Announcement and Build-Up
Cadillac’s driver reveal on August 26, 2025, followed months of speculation. Both drivers expressed enthusiasm: Perez called it an “exciting new chapter” with a “huge responsibility,” while Bottas described it as a “long-term vision” to shape a contender. The GMA segment came days later, timed with the Dutch Grand Prix weekend, to capitalize on F1’s return from summer break.
Key Details from the Interview and Beyond
The “Rapid Fire” video, available on ABC News and YouTube, runs under a minute but packs personality. Highlights include:
- Favorite Non-F1 Sport: Perez picked soccer (a nod to his Mexican roots), Bottas went with ice hockey.
- Racing Superstition: Bottas admitted to his lucky underwear, drawing laughs.
- Message to Fans: Both vowed to “bring the American spirit” to the track, aligning with Cadillac’s goals.
Verified facts underscore their value: Perez has 11 podiums in 2022 alone, while Bottas finished second in the drivers’ standings in 2019-2020. Cadillac prioritized experience over rookies like Jak Crawford or Mick Schumacher, opting for proven talent to accelerate development amid 2026 regulation changes.
Expert Opinions and Public Reactions
F1 analysts applaud the pairing. Graeme Lowdon told media it’s a “bold signal of intent,” emphasizing their role in team-building. Lewis Hamilton, Bottas’ ex-teammate, said, “He really deserves to be back… plenty of experience.” George Russell congratulated Bottas personally, noting his birthday overlap.
Fans on X (formerly Twitter) and social media erupted with joy. One post called it a “DREAM TEAMMMMM,” while another said, “I spilled my coffee in joy.” Reactions to the GMA clip highlight the fun vibe: “Vibes are incredible,” and “So good to have you both back,” from F1’s official account. Some U.S. viewers expressed surprise at F1’s mainstream push, with one X user sharing the video link and tagging it as breaking news.
Critics note the lack of an American driver but agree experience trumps nationalism for a debut team.
Impact on U.S. Readers: Sports, Economy, and Lifestyle
Boosting F1’s Popularity in America
For U.S. sports fans, this signals F1’s growing footprint, especially with Cadillac’s entry. The GMA appearance exposes the sport to millions beyond hardcore viewers, potentially rivaling NASCAR or IndyCar in appeal. Perez’s Latin American draw and Bottas’ global fame could expand viewership, with F1’s U.S. races (Miami, Austin, Las Vegas) already drawing crowds.
Economic and Lifestyle Ties
Cadillac’s F1 venture, supported by GM, promises jobs in Indiana, North Carolina, and the UK, injecting millions into the economy. For lifestyle enthusiasts, the drivers’ “Rapid Fire” answers—tacos, saunas, cycling—humanize F1 stars, inspiring fitness trends or travel to races. Politically neutral but culturally resonant, it promotes American innovation in tech-heavy F1, aligning with U.S. values of ambition and speed.
In a broader sense, this could influence youth interest in STEM, as Cadillac eyes developing American talent long-term.
Conclusion: Excitement Builds for Cadillac’s Grid Debut
The “Rapid Fire” segment on GMA offers a delightful preview of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas’ dynamic as Cadillac’s 2026 drivers, blending fun with their storied F1 expertise. As the team prepares for a challenging debut with Ferrari power, their experience promises steady progress toward contention. For U.S. fans, this marks a thrilling chapter in F1’s American expansion, fostering wider engagement and economic growth. Watch the clip to see the laughs firsthand—it’s a reminder that behind the speed lies personality that keeps the sport alive. With testing looming in 2026, expect more buzz as Cadillac revs up.