Who did these new F1 teams pick as their first drivers?

Cadillac is set to enter Formula 1 next year with a highly experienced driver lineup featuring Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, who collectively bring 527 Grands Prix, 16 victories, and 106 podiums. This strategic choice contrasts with many past new F1 entrants, who often mixed seasoned drivers with promising rookies, or even opted for two inexperienced drivers. The article reviews the varied approaches taken by new teams over the last three decades, including Lola, Stewart Grand Prix, BAR, Toyota, Super Aguri, Lotus, Virgin Racing, Hispania, and Haas. Their experiences highlight that while an experienced pairing offers a strong foundation, immediate success is far from guaranteed, with reliability and car performance often playing a more critical role.