Cadillac Prepares for its Formula 1 Debut: Who Will Be the Drivers?
Cadillac’s Formula 1 program accelerates full throttle for its debut season in 2026, marking its entry as the eleventh team on the grid. The anticipation grows, but the identity of its two drivers is still a mystery.
The team has made it clear that the choice of its drivers is a secondary issue, focusing on the development of the car. With the start of the season approaching, speculation about who will occupy the seats of the American team will intensify.
Graeme Lowdon, team boss, commented during a visit to the new factory that the priority is the car, not the drivers. The focus is on building a competitive team, and decisions about the drivers will be made at the appropriate time.
In addition to team building, there are other important factors to consider. Many renowned drivers are already committed to their current teams for several seasons. Furthermore, making early decisions in the driver market is not always beneficial.
The Strongest Candidates
The team is looking for experienced pilots, and two names stand out as the most likely and desired candidates.
Sergio Pérez: After leaving Red Bull, Pérez is in a waiting situation. Despite the difficulties in his last seasons, his experience and popularity make him an attractive option for Cadillac. It is rumored that the team contacted Pérez immediately after his departure from Red Bull.
Valtteri Bottas: The Finnish driver has shown interest in the vacancy, and conversations with Cadillac are underway. His experience at Mercedes and his recent resurgence at Sauber make him a strong candidate. His popularity among F1 fans is undeniable.Sergio Pérez, left, and Valtteri Bottas are the favorites to lead Cadillac in its first season in F1.It is important to note that Flavio Briatore has contacted both drivers regarding a possible seat at Alpine, which could complicate Cadillac’s negotiations.
Other Possibilities
Zhou Guanyu: The first Chinese driver in F1 could be an interesting option due to his market potential in Asia. Although he hasn’t shone at Sauber, his experience and his current role as a reserve and simulator driver at Ferrari keep him on the radar.Yuki Tsunoda: Tsunoda’s situation is uncertain after his time with Red Bull. His relationship with Honda could influence his future, and Cadillac could be an opportunity to escape the Red Bull program and join a growing team.
Are There American or IndyCar Candidates?
From the beginning, Cadillac has expressed its desire to have an American driver. Colton Herta, from IndyCar, was an option, but his participation is uncertain. To be eligible, he needs to achieve fourth place in this year’s championship, or fifth with two FP1 appearances.
Jak Crawford, Formula 2 driver, could be a viable option if he performs well in the championship. His potential and experience in the lower categories could be valuable to the team.
And Daniel Ricciardo?
Daniel Ricciardo is an attractive option from a marketing perspective, but it seems unlikely. The Australian driver has expressed his interest in other activities and does not seem eager to return to F1.
