Who will fill Cadillac’s Formula 1 race seats for 2026 debut?
Speculation Builds Around Cadillac’s Driver Lineup for 2026 F1 Debut
As Cadillac accelerates preparations for its much-anticipated Formula 1 debut in 2026, speculation is building around which drivers will lead the team in its maiden campaign. The American luxury car giant is set to join the grid as F1’s 11th team and will make its race debut at the Australian Grand Prix on March 8, following 10 days of preseason testing in Barcelona and Bahrain.
While the recruitment of its drivers isn’t Cadillac’s immediate priority—team efforts are focused on car development—persistent murmurs in the paddock have started steering conversations toward their potential options.
Cadillac’s Pragmatic Approach
Team boss Graeme Lowdon has emphasized that driver decisions won’t be rushed. Speaking during a tour of Cadillac's new factory, Lowdon said:
"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."
Lowdon’s statements underline Cadillac’s pragmatic approach. With big-name drivers locked into multi-season contracts elsewhere and no immediate pressure to make a decision, Cadillac can take its time. The ever-shifting F1 driver market—potentially shaken by any surprise moves from drivers like Max Verstappen—provides another reason to keep options open.
Key Contenders for 2026
Lowdon has hinted that experience will be a vital factor when selecting drivers for the team’s debut season. Two veterans, both proven winners with years of F1 experience, have emerged as strong contenders:
Sergio Pérez
The Mexican driver, who was sidelined after his exit from Red Bull at the end of last season, remains a top target for Cadillac. A multiple-time race winner and a fan favorite across Latin America, Pérez would bring both pedigree and marketability to the new team.
Despite his challenging 2023 and 2024 campaigns as Max Verstappen’s teammate, Pérez’s stock remains high. ESPN sources confirm that Cadillac reached out to Pérez immediately after his Red Bull departure. While he has enjoyed taking a step back from racing, Cadillac’s entry provides a compelling opportunity for his return.
Valtteri Bottas
Valtteri Bottas recently sent social media into a frenzy with a cheeky post: posing next to a Cadillac and teasing, "Oh wow, that’s actually a nice seat." The moment typified Bottas’ charm, and his name continues to be strongly linked to the team.
The Finnish driver’s resume includes championship-contending seasons with Mercedes, followed by a career resurgence with Sauber. Bottas’ experience with Mercedes’ inner workings and his consistent performances make him an attractive choice for Cadillac, who have reportedly been in conversations with him for several months.
While a Pérez-Bottas combination is tantalizing on paper, Cadillac may face competition for their signatures. Alpine, switching to Mercedes engines in 2026, is also rumored to be in talks with both drivers.
Other Possible Options
Zhou Guanyu
China’s first-ever Formula 1 driver could be a wildcard pick. Zhou, who spent three seasons as Bottas’ teammate, now serves as Ferrari’s simulator and reserve driver. While Zhou hasn’t set the sport alight, his marketability in Asia is a significant asset. Notably, Cadillac team boss Lowdon also manages Zhou, which could give him an edge in negotiations.
Yuki Tsunoda
The Japanese driver’s F1 career is at a crossroads. Currently struggling to find form with Red Bull, Tsunoda’s close ties with Honda—Red Bull’s departing engine supplier—could limit his future prospects with his current team. According to sources, Tsunoda’s agent held discussions with Cadillac as early as the Monaco Grand Prix. Joining as one of the faces of Cadillac’s new venture might provide the fresh start Tsunoda needs.
Spotlight on American Drivers
As a U.S.-based manufacturer, Cadillac has long expressed a desire to feature an American driver. However, viable options are limited:
Colton Herta
The California-born IndyCar star has been a long-standing favorite among U.S. F1 fans. However, securing an F1 super license remains a hurdle for Herta, whose immediate focus appears to remain with IndyCar. His comments earlier this year suggested limited interest in an F1 switch, making his candidacy uncertain.
Jak Crawford
Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, Crawford is making waves in Formula 2, where he currently sits third in the championship standings. A super license is within his reach if he finishes fifth or higher, but as a rookie, Crawford could be considered a risk for Cadillac's debut season. Still, his impressive performances in F2 suggest he could quickly adapt to the challenges of Formula 1.
Is Daniel Ricciardo a Possibility?
One name that continues to generate buzz is that of Daniel Ricciardo. The charismatic Australian, a fan favorite and multiple-time race winner, has been absent from the F1 paddock since his Red Bull departure last year. Ricciardo remains a marketing powerhouse, making him an appealing option.
Yet, the likelihood of Ricciardo joining Cadillac appears slim. The Australian has focused on business ventures and personal downtime and, in his own words, seems uninterested in an F1 return. Speaking at a New York event last year, Ricciardo dismissed the possibility outright, saying simply, "Nah, I’m done."
The Road Ahead
While Cadillac has plenty of time to deliberate, the choices for its 2026 lineup will have significant implications for the team’s competitive debut. Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas remain the frontrunners, offering a balance of experience and proven talent. However, other names, such as Zhou Guanyu, Yuki Tsunoda, or even an American wildcard like Jak Crawford, add intrigue to the equation. As F1’s silly season heats up, the Detroit-based outfit faces no shortage of options in what promises to be the paddock’s most captivating debut in recent memory.
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