Bottas to Pilot Historic Ferrari at Adelaide Festival Ahead of 2026 F1 Return

Bottas will take the wheel of a 1985 Ferrari 156/85 at the Adelaide Motorsport Festival from Feb 28 to Mar 1, just a week before the 2026 Australian Grand Prix. He’ll be joined by former F1 driver Stefan Johansson, and will also pilot a V8 Holden HQ Monaro in a separate run. The showcase comes as Bottas prepares for his full‑time return to the grid with Cadillac in 2026.

Why it matters:

• Bottas’s return adds a proven veteran to the 2026 driver lineup, strengthening the competition.
• Cadillac’s entry makes it the first major American manufacturer on the grid, expanding the field to 11 teams.
• Showcasing a 1985 Ferrari ties F1’s heritage to the upcoming hybrid era and highlights the new regulation package.

The details:

• Event: Adelaide Motorsport Festival, 28 Feb – 1 Mar, South Australia.
• Cars: Ferrari 156/85 (1985) for Bottas; Johansson’s No. 28 Ferrari 156/85; V8 Holden Monaro.
• Demo: Bottas in Ferrari at 13:45, Monaro at 11:30 on Sunday.
• Contract: Bottas signed with Cadillac for 2026, teaming with Sergio Pérez.
• Cadillac debut: 11th team in 2026 under new 50/50 hybrid rulebook (sustainable fuel, active aero).

What's next:

• Bottas will use the historic run as promotion before preseason testing.
• Cadillac aims to unveil its first F1 chassis in 2025 and be race‑ready for the Australian GP.
• Adelaide showcase highlights contrast between 1985 pure‑engine power and hybrid future.
• 2026 season will be the first under new regulations, likely reshaping the championship hierarchy.