Cadillac`s Formula 1 program is rapidly progressing as they gear up for their inaugural 2026 season, set to join the grid as the eleventh team. While the individuals who will pilot their cars remain unnamed, the team has indicated that finalizing the driver pairing is not currently their primary focus. Their attention is heavily on preparing for the first race, scheduled for the Australian Grand Prix on March 8, 2026, following extensive pre-season testing.
As F1`s driver market often becomes highly active during the European summer, speculation is expected to grow significantly regarding who might occupy the two racing spots for the American manufacturer.
Why the Delay in Announcing Drivers?
Cadillac appears to be in a comfortable position regarding its driver selection timeframe. As team principal Graeme Lowdon remarked during a recent factory visit, observing the extensive development work, someone commented, “I can see why the drivers isn`t the number one thing on the list, as it is at other teams, where they`re dealing with a different level of what`s already in place”. Lowdon confirmed that no decisions have been made yet.
However, other significant factors are also influencing the timing. Many top-tier F1 drivers are already committed to their current teams for multiple seasons. Furthermore, there`s often little advantage in rushing driver decisions. For instance, a major shake-up could occur in the coming months – such as the highly unlikely, but persistently rumored, possibility of Max Verstappen leaving Red Bull for Mercedes or Aston Martin. Such a move would have a massive ripple effect across the grid. Alpine, which will utilize Mercedes power units in 2026, also seems likely to have a potentially desirable vacancy, reportedly not yet convinced by their current young hopefuls like Jack Doohan and Franco Colapinto.
The Leading Contenders
As Lowdon also stated, “We know who`s in the market, we`ve got a good idea of what we need, but we`re still some way off reaching that stage. I think there`s a very strong argument to say that a new team in its first year of racing would benefit hugely from people who are experienced.”
Two drivers boasting genuine race-winning experience from within championship-contending teams are available and appear to be the most logical and desired candidates.
Sergio Pérez
Pérez has been out of action since his departure from Red Bull at the end of last year. The subsequent performance of Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda in that same car has led to a quick reassessment of Pérez`s own tenure, although his 2023 and 2024 seasons were admittedly challenging. It`s widely acknowledged in the paddock that being Max Verstappen`s teammate is arguably the sport`s most demanding role, and Pérez`s standing hasn`t been significantly damaged to disqualify him from this opportunity.
Sources indicate that Cadillac promptly contacted Pérez after his Red Bull contract was terminated prematurely. He has shown no haste in committing, enjoying a break from racing for the first time since childhood. However, the American team has also been patient, and it is understood that Pérez remains their top target. A multiple race winner and highly popular within the Latin American fanbase, he would represent a sensible choice for Cadillac`s inaugural F1 campaign.
Valtteri Bottas
Valtteri Bottas recently caused a stir on social media with a post featuring him approaching a parked Cadillac, accompanied by the caption, “Oh wow, that`s actually a nice seat.” This playful, suggestive post hinted at significant confidence regarding his plans for the following season and was typical Bottas humor. The post was overwhelmingly well-received, demonstrating the enduring popularity of the former Mercedes driver among F1 enthusiasts.
Clearly, Bottas is a serious candidate, and discussions are understood to have been ongoing for some time. Like Pérez, his credentials are solid, including valuable insights gained from his time at the dominant Mercedes team. Unlike Pérez, Bottas enjoyed a resurgence after moving away from being a world champion`s teammate, delivering two solid seasons at Sauber. There is definite strong interest from Cadillac. Bottas is a proven performer and still has plenty to offer a new team.
It`s worth noting that securing both Pérez and Bottas might be challenging for Cadillac. Flavio Briatore is reportedly in contact with both drivers concerning a seat at Alpine. While Alpine has previously seemed a less secure option, their switch to Mercedes power for next season makes them a very attractive proposition.
Other Possibilities
Zhou Guanyu
Perhaps a less obvious choice, but Zhou`s name has been mentioned. As China`s first F1 driver, he spent three seasons partnering Bottas at Sauber, though he didn`t consistently impress during that period. The general consensus in the paddock is that he is a competent driver, with a significant advantage: immense marketability in Asia, which is highly valuable for car manufacturers.
Since leaving Sauber, Zhou has taken on reserve and simulator duties for Ferrari, keeping him closely involved within the F1 environment. There`s another key reason he`s a potential candidate: Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon also serves as his manager.
Yuki Tsunoda
It`s difficult to predict Yuki Tsunoda`s next move. His anticipated step up to Red Bull has become somewhat problematic since the Japanese Grand Prix, as he appears to be facing similar difficulties to Pérez – being measured against the incredibly high benchmark set by Verstappen. Tsunoda`s close ties to Honda, who reportedly provided Red Bull with an engine discount in exchange for his promotion during their final year of partnership, make it improbable he will remain with the former world champions beyond this season.
Cadillac could present an appealing option: an escape from the Red Bull driver program and a chance to join a team from its inception, one set to become a full manufacturer by the end of the decade. Sources have indicated that Tsunoda`s agent held discussions with Cadillac representatives at the Monaco Grand Prix. Informal talks were already underway prior to Tsunoda`s unexpected promotion in April, which briefly paused proceedings.
Are American or IndyCar Drivers Viable Options?
From the outset, there has been a clear aspiration to have an American driver representing this team. Even when Michael Andretti was attempting to purchase Sauber years before the plans for an eleventh team materialized, it was evident that IndyCar driver Colton Herta was central to his strategy. While Andretti`s direct involvement in the Cadillac project has been sidelined, his father Mario is on the board, and the ideal scenario would involve a U.S. driver on the roster.
Achieving this, however, might prove challenging. Herta`s eligibility is not guaranteed; he needs to finish fourth in the IndyCar championship this year – or fifth, with two FP1 appearances in F1 – before the end of the F1 season to accumulate the necessary super license points for next year. Earlier this year, he also seemed to distance himself from the prospect of moving to F1.
There`s another, less conventional possibility closer to the F1 sphere: Jak Crawford. Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, he is competing in Formula 2 this season and would qualify for a super license if he finishes fifth or higher in the championship standings. Currently an Aston Martin reserve driver, Crawford represents a potentially riskier choice as a rookie. However, the 2025 season has demonstrated how prepared many young drivers from feeder series are when they step up to F1. There`s no reason to believe he couldn`t make a similar transition; he has shown glimpses of real potential in F2, where he is currently third in the championship with wins in Monaco and Imola.
What About Ricciardo?
Daniel Ricciardo might be the unspoken consideration when discussing Cadillac`s options. The extremely popular Australian has not been seen in the Formula 1 paddock since his abrupt departure from Red Bull after last year`s Singapore Grand Prix. Purely from a marketing standpoint, Ricciardo would be the most desirable driver available, and if he could recapture the form shown during his initial stint with Red Bull, it could be a dream scenario.
However, there is little indication that Ricciardo is eager to return to F1. Since leaving late last season, he has grown a beard and appears to be enjoying time on his Perth farm. He has also launched a new tailgate company, adding to his existing ventures, the DR3 wine business and the Enchanté clothing line. He seems content focusing on these projects for the foreseeable future.
At a promotional event for his clothing line in New York last year, a fan filmed a selfie with Ricciardo and simply asked, “Cadillac? Cadillac?” Ricciardo shook his head and replied, “Nah, I`m done.” That sentiment appears genuine. Sources close to Ricciardo have informed us that he has no interest in returning to Formula 1 and may have retired from motor racing permanently.
