Cadillac is actively preparing its Formula 1 program for its planned debut in 2026, when it will become the 11th team on the grid.
The team has not yet announced its two drivers, stating that finalizing the lineup is not a current priority as they focus on readiness for their inaugural race, the Australian Grand Prix on March 8, 2026, preceded by testing in Barcelona and Bahrain.
As F1`s driver market activity typically ramps up in the European summer, speculation regarding potential drivers for the new team is expected to grow. Who might occupy the two race seats for the American manufacturer?
What`s the holdup?
Cadillac is in a relatively comfortable position regarding driver announcements. With their debut season fast approaching, primary attention is on car development. The individuals in the cockpits can be decided later.
As team principal Graeme Lowdon recently noted during a factory tour: “A good comment, actually, from someone walking around when they saw all the stuff that was going on, it was, `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`. So, no, nothing`s decided yet.”
However, broader factors are also at play beyond simply building the team. Many prominent F1 drivers are contracted for several more seasons. Furthermore, there is often little advantage to making early driver market decisions. For instance, if a major shift occurred in the coming months, like Max Verstappen surprisingly leaving Red Bull for Mercedes or Aston Martin (though unlikely, the rumor persists), the resulting impact on the market would be significant. Alpine, which will use Mercedes power units in 2026, also appears likely to have a potentially appealing seat available, as the team seems unconvinced by both Jack Doohan and Franco Colapinto.
The frontrunners
As Lowdon continued: “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 with significant race-winning experience from championship-winning teams are available and appear to be the most evident and sought-after candidates.
Sergio Pérez
Pérez has been without a seat since his departure from Red Bull at the end of last year. The subsequent performance of Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda in that car this year has led to a quicker reassessment of Pérez`s previous performance, although his 2023 and 2024 seasons were certainly challenging. It is widely acknowledged that being Verstappen`s teammate is arguably the toughest role in F1, and Pérez`s reputation has not suffered enough to preclude an opportunity here.
Sources suggest Cadillac reached out to Pérez immediately after his Red Bull contract was terminated. He has not been in a hurry to commit, seemingly enjoying time away from racing for the first time since childhood, but neither has the American team. It is understood that Pérez remains their top candidate. As a multiple race winner and highly popular figure among Latin American fans, he would represent a logical choice for Cadillac`s inaugural F1 season.
Valtteri Bottas
Valtteri Bottas recently caused a stir on social media with a post featuring him approaching a parked Cadillac and commenting, “Oh wow, that`s actually a nice seat.” This playful, hinting post suggested considerable confidence regarding his future plans and was characteristic of Bottas`s style. The post was very well-received, highlighting the continued popularity of the former Mercedes driver within the F1 community.
Evidently, Bottas is a serious candidate, and discussions are understood to have been ongoing for some time. Like Pérez, his racing pedigree is clear, bringing insight from his time within the dominant Mercedes team. Unlike Pérez, Bottas experienced a positive period after leaving his world champion teammate, enjoying two solid seasons at Sauber. There is undoubtedly strong interest from Cadillac. Bottas is a proven talent who still has much to offer another team.
It is worth noting that Cadillac may face competition for both Pérez and Bottas. Flavio Briatore is reportedly interested in securing both for an Alpine seat. While Alpine was previously seen as a riskier option, their switch to Mercedes power in 2026 makes it a very appealing proposition.
Other options
Zhou Guanyu
Perhaps a less obvious candidate, but Zhou`s name has been mentioned. China`s first F1 driver spent three seasons as Bottas`s teammate at Sauber but did not consistently impress during that period. The paddock generally regards him as a competent driver, with a significant advantage: substantial marketability in Asia, which is highly valuable for car manufacturers.
Since leaving Sauber, Zhou has served as a reserve and simulator driver for Ferrari, keeping him involved in the F1 environment during his absence. Another key reason he is being considered: Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon is also his manager.
Yuki Tsunoda
Yuki Tsunoda`s next career move is somewhat unclear. His hoped-for progression to Red Bull has become challenging since the Japanese Grand Prix, where he faced similar difficulties encountered by Pérez: the demanding standard set by Verstappen. Tsunoda`s close ties to Honda—who reportedly offered Red Bull an engine discount in exchange for his promotion in their final year together—make it improbable he will remain with the former world champions beyond this season.
Cadillac could present an attractive alternative; an escape from the Red Bull system and an opportunity to join a team from its inception, which is projected to become a full manufacturer by the end of the decade. Sources indicate that Tsunoda`s representative held discussions with Cadillac at the Monaco Grand Prix; informal talks were already underway before Tsunoda`s unexpected promotion in April briefly paused things.
Are there any viable American or IndyCar candidates?
From the outset, there has been a clear ambition to have an American driver representing the team. Even when Michael Andretti was attempting to acquire Sauber years before the 11th team initiative began, IndyCar driver Colton Herta was clearly central to his plans. While Andretti is no longer directly leading the Cadillac project, his father Mario is on the board, and having a U.S. driver on the roster would be a dream scenario.
Achieving this may prove difficult. Herta`s participation is not guaranteed; he needs to finish fourth in the IndyCar championship this year—or fifth with two FP1 appearances—before the F1 season concludes to accumulate the necessary super license points for eligibility next year. Earlier this year, he seemed to distance himself from the prospect of moving to F1.
There is a less obvious American option closer to the F1 world. Jak Crawford, born in Charlotte, North Carolina, is competing in Formula 2 this season and would qualify for a super license if he finishes fifth or higher in the championship standings. As an Aston Martin reserve driver, Crawford might be a riskier choice as a rookie, but 2025 has shown how prepared many young drivers are when stepping up from feeder series. There`s no reason to believe he couldn`t succeed; he has demonstrated moments of real potential in F2, where he is currently third in the championship, with victories in Monaco and Imola.
What about Ricciardo?
Daniel Ricciardo is perhaps the notable name absent from current speculation about Cadillac`s options. The highly popular Australian has not returned to the Formula 1 paddock since leaving Red Bull after last year`s Singapore Grand Prix. Purely from a marketing standpoint, Ricciardo would be the most valuable driver available, and if he could regain the form shown during his first spell with Red Bull, it could be an ideal move.
However, there is little indication that Ricciardo is eager to return to F1. Since departing late last season, he has grown a beard and appears to be enjoying downtime on his Perth farm, alongside launching a new tailgate company, his wine business DR3, and his Enchanté clothing line. He seems content focusing on these ventures for the foreseeable future.
At a New York event for his clothing line last year, a fan filmed a selfie with Ricciardo and simply asked him, “Cadillac? Cadillac?” Ricciardo shook his head and replied, “Nah, I`m done.” That sentiment seems genuine. Sources close to Ricciardo have stated he has no interest in returning to Formula 1 and may well have finished with motor racing permanently.
