Jonas Leo
In an unconventional prelude to the highly anticipated 2026 Formula 1 season, future Cadillac Formula 1 drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas traded the high-octane pressure of the racetrack for the searing intensity of the "Hot Ones Versus" challenge. Appearing on the popular First We Feast YouTube channel, the experienced duo engaged in a unique contest, where candid answers to "deeply personal questions" served as a shield against the escalating heat of the infamous "Last Dab" hot wings. This lighthearted yet revealing encounter offered fans a rare glimpse into the personalities and past experiences of two of the sport’s most seasoned competitors, all while subtly building anticipation for their formidable partnership with the new American F1 entrant.
The "Hot Ones" phenomenon, a hallmark of the First We Feast digital empire, has garnered global acclaim for its distinctive interview format, where celebrities navigate increasingly potent hot sauces while answering probing questions. The "Versus" iteration introduces a competitive edge, pitting two individuals against each other in a battle of wit, fortitude, and spice tolerance. For Formula 1 drivers, whose careers are defined by precision, endurance, and mental resilience under extreme conditions, tackling a challenge centered on capsaicin-induced discomfort provided an intriguing contrast to their professional milieu. Their participation underscored the growing mainstream appeal of F1 and its stars, extending their reach beyond traditional motorsport audiences.
The initial spotlight of the challenge fell upon Mexican driver Sergio Perez, a Grand Prix winner and veteran of over 250 starts, whose career has seen him compete for teams such as Sauber, McLaren, Force India, Racing Point, and most notably, Red Bull Racing. Asked by his future Cadillac teammate Bottas about the last time he had urinated in his car during a race, Perez’s response was refreshingly frank. "Yes, I’ve done it," he admitted without hesitation, clarifying the circumstances. "I think I did it in… But it was before the race, not during, because after the national anthem, there was no time. And it was before my mechanics strapped me in. So, it was a little bit embarrassing." Pushed further by Bottas on whether his crew noticed, Perez chuckled, conceding, "I’m sure they noticed," a sentiment Bottas readily echoed.
This anecdote, while seemingly trivial, highlights a rarely discussed facet of a Formula 1 driver’s life: the immense physical demands and logistical constraints imposed by the sport’s rigorous schedule. Drivers routinely spend hours in their cockpits, enduring extreme G-forces, high temperatures, and the psychological strain of competition. Pre-race rituals, from final car checks to media obligations and the national anthem, leave precious little time for personal comfort breaks. Perez’s admission, tinged with self-deprecating humor, offered a humanizing insight into the realities of preparing for a Grand Prix, where even the most basic physiological needs can become a challenge. It speaks to the dedication and focus required, often at the expense of personal convenience, to perform at the pinnacle of motorsport. Perez, known for his aggressive racing style and his crucial role as a supporting driver during Max Verstappen’s championship campaigns at Red Bull, has cultivated a reputation for tenacity. His willingness to share such a personal detail underscored a relaxed confidence, perhaps indicative of his comfort level transitioning to a new, ambitious project with Cadillac.
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Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas, a ten-time Grand Prix winner with a career spanning over 220 races for Williams, Mercedes, and Alfa Romeo/Stake F1, then faced his own moment of truth. Perez queried which of the five teams he had driven for he was most excited to leave. Bottas, renowned for his calm demeanor and often diplomatic public persona, skillfully navigated the potentially contentious question. "I’m an honest man. Obviously, there are different circumstances why you leave," he began, choosing his words carefully. "The Stake F1 team, I was quite happy to leave at the end because of the circumstances. But I have some good memories too."
Bottas’s measured response offered a glimpse into the intricate political landscape of Formula 1 team dynamics. His tenure at Mercedes, where he spent five seasons as Lewis Hamilton’s teammate, saw him achieve significant success, including multiple wins and playing a pivotal role in constructors’ championship victories. His move to Alfa Romeo, which later became Stake F1, marked a new chapter, allowing him to lead a team and enjoy greater creative freedom, albeit with less competitive machinery. His reference to "circumstances" at Stake F1 likely alludes to the team’s ongoing transition to Audi for 2026, a period often characterized by uncertainty and shifting priorities for existing personnel. Bottas’s diplomatic evasion, while not naming a specific team in a negative light, conveyed a professional awareness of the sensitive nature of team departures, particularly when looking ahead to a new venture. It highlighted the seasoned media training and strategic communication skills that top-tier F1 drivers cultivate throughout their careers.
The challenge intensified with the second round, which introduced a lip-reading game, adding an element of competitive pressure distinct from the truth-or-spice dilemma. Bottas emerged victorious in this segment, placing Perez in the unenviable position of being the first to taste one of the spicier wings. Perez’s immediate reaction to the escalating heat was vivid, describing the flavor as "toxic" as he visibly struggled against the capsaicin’s wrath. The physical manifestations of the spice, from watering eyes to flushed faces, underscored the potent nature of the sauces, creating a relatable spectacle for viewers accustomed to seeing these athletes in their peak physical state on track.
Ultimately, the contest concluded in a tie, a fitting outcome for two drivers poised to form a new partnership. Despite the shared ordeal, Bottas’s final assessment of his condition was delivered with characteristic composure: "I feel lightheaded," he admitted, dabbing his brow. "Otherwise, I’m OK," he added with a laugh, encapsulating the good-natured spirit of the challenge. The "Hot Ones" appearance not only provided entertainment but also served as an early, informal team-building exercise for the future Cadillac F1 pairing, showcasing their individual resilience and shared camaraderie.
Their upcoming collaboration as Cadillac Formula 1 drivers for the 2026 season represents a significant development in the sport. Cadillac, a marque synonymous with American luxury and engineering, is set to arrive on the F1 grid as the 11th team, marking a bold expansion for the series. The entry of a new manufacturer, particularly one with the global recognition and financial backing of General Motors, signifies the continued growth and allure of Formula 1, especially in key markets like the United States. The process of establishing a new F1 team from the ground up is an immense undertaking, requiring substantial investment in infrastructure, personnel recruitment, technological development, and regulatory compliance. The 2026 season will also introduce a sweeping overhaul of technical regulations, particularly concerning power units and aerodynamics, which aims to promote sustainability and potentially level the playing field for new entrants.
The selection of Bottas and Perez to spearhead Cadillac’s debut is a strategic masterstroke, forming one of the most experienced driver line-ups on the grid. Bottas, who made his F1 debut in 2013 with Williams, brings over a decade of experience, including five years at a championship-winning team (Mercedes) and valuable development input from his time leading a midfield outfit (Alfa Romeo/Stake F1). His technical feedback, consistent performance, and ability to extract the maximum from a car will be invaluable in the early stages of Cadillac’s F1 journey. Perez, with his F1 debut dating back to 2011 with Sauber, boasts an even longer tenure in the sport, having honed his racecraft and technical understanding across various teams, culminating in his successful stint at Red Bull Racing. His ability to adapt to different car philosophies and his proven race-winning capability will be critical in guiding Cadillac’s technical direction and pushing the team forward.
The synergy between Bottas and Perez, two drivers who have competed at the highest levels and understand the nuances of F1 car development, could prove to be a significant asset for Cadillac. Their combined experience will be crucial in providing clear, consistent feedback to engineers as they develop a completely new chassis and integrate with their power unit partner. For a new team, stability and expert guidance from the cockpit are paramount, and this pairing offers precisely that. Their appearance on "Hot Ones" not only served as an entertaining diversion but also subtly signaled their readiness to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead with Cadillac, both on and off the track. The blend of candid admissions and competitive spirit provided a compelling preview of the formidable partnership set to ignite the F1 grid in 2026.
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Author Profile
- Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.
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