Cadillac is making rapid progress on its Formula 1 project ahead of its inaugural season in 2026, where it will compete as the 11th team on the grid. The team has not yet announced its driver pairing. They`ve stated that finalizing the driver lineup is not their immediate focus, as they prioritize development for their first race, the Australian Grand Prix next March, preceded by testing in Barcelona and Bahrain.
As F1`s “silly season” typically heats up during the European summer, speculation about potential drivers for the new team is expected to grow. Who might fill the two cockpits for the American manufacturer?
Why the Delay?
Cadillac is not rushing its driver announcements. With their 2026 debut nearing, the main priority is car development. Deciding who will drive can happen later. Team principal Graeme Lowdon mentioned during a factory visit that seeing the scale of work makes it clear why drivers aren`t the top concern, unlike established teams. Nothing is decided yet.
However, other factors influence the timing, beyond just building the car. Many top drivers are under long-term contracts. Making early decisions can also be risky. An unexpected move, like Max Verstappen potentially leaving Red Bull (a persistent rumor), could drastically alter the driver market. Alpine, switching to Mercedes engines for 2026, might also have an attractive opening, reportedly uncertain about drivers like Jack Doohan and Franco Colapinto.
Lowdon added that they are aware of the drivers available and have a sense of their requirements but are not ready to decide. He argued that an inexperienced team entering F1 would significantly benefit from signing seasoned drivers.
The Frontrunners
Two drivers with race-winning backgrounds from top teams are available and seem like the most likely and desired candidates.
Sergio Pérez
Sergio Pérez was let go by Red Bull late last year and has been out of the sport since. The struggles of Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda in the same car this year have led to a reassessment of Pérez`s performance, despite his challenging 2023 and 2024 seasons. It`s widely acknowledged that partnering Max Verstappen is perhaps the most demanding role in F1, and Pérez`s standing hasn`t suffered enough to exclude him from consideration.
According to ESPN sources, Cadillac contacted Pérez swiftly after his Red Bull departure. He hasn`t been quick to sign elsewhere, enjoying a break from racing, but neither has Cadillac. Pérez reportedly remains their preferred choice. As a multiple race winner and immensely popular figure, especially in Latin America, he represents a logical pick for Cadillac`s inaugural F1 campaign.
Valtteri Bottas
Valtteri Bottas sparked significant online discussion recently with a social media post featuring him inspecting a Cadillac, captioned “Oh wow, that`s actually a nice seat.” This playful, suggestive post hinted at confidence regarding his future plans and was typical Bottas style. It was widely well-received, showing his continued popularity among F1 fans since his time at Mercedes.
Bottas is clearly a serious candidate, and ESPN sources indicate ongoing discussions. Like Pérez, his experience is undeniable, including firsthand knowledge of Mercedes` dominant era. Unlike Pérez, Bottas thrived after leaving his championship-winning teammate, having two solid years at Sauber. Cadillac`s interest appears strong; Bottas is a reliable driver with significant potential still.
However, securing both Pérez and Bottas could be challenging for Cadillac, as Flavio Briatore is reportedly pursuing both for an Alpine drive. While Alpine has seemed uncertain recently, their switch to Mercedes power in 2026 makes their seats highly appealing.
Other options
Zhou Guanyu
Zhou`s name has been mentioned, perhaps as a less conventional choice. As China`s first F1 driver, he spent three seasons alongside Bottas at Sauber, showing competency though not spectacular results. He is generally seen as a capable driver, with a significant advantage: immense marketability in Asia, a major asset for car brands.
After leaving Sauber, Zhou took on a reserve and simulator role at Ferrari, staying connected to the F1 scene. Another key factor in his potential candidacy: Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon manages him.
Yuki Tsunoda
Yuki Tsunoda`s future is currently uncertain. His promotion to Red Bull has proved challenging since the Japanese Grand Prix, as he faces the same difficulties Pérez did when measured against Verstappen. Given his strong ties to Honda, who reportedly offered Red Bull an engine discount in exchange for his drive this year, it seems improbable he will remain with the team past this season.
Cadillac could be an appealing option, offering him an exit from the Red Bull structure and a chance to join a manufacturer team from its inception. ESPN sources report that Tsunoda`s manager met with Cadillac representatives in Monaco, following up on initial informal talks that paused after his unexpected promotion in April.
American and IndyCar Prospects?
From the project`s outset, there`s been a clear ambition to feature an American driver. When Michael Andretti pursued acquiring Sauber years ago, IndyCar`s Colton Herta was central to his vision. Although Michael Andretti is not directly involved in the Cadillac F1 venture, his father Mario is on the board, and an ideal scenario would include a US driver. However, this goal faces challenges.
Herta`s F1 future is uncertain; he needs specific championship results in IndyCar this year (4th, or 5th with two FP1s) to qualify for the necessary Super License points for 2026. Earlier this year, he seemed less enthusiastic about an F1 switch. A less obvious American candidate is Jak Crawford, who competes in Formula 2 this season. If he finishes fifth or better in F2, he will earn his Super License.
Currently an Aston Martin reserve driver, Crawford is a rookie option, which carries risk. However, the current F1 season has shown that young drivers stepping up from feeder series can be prepared. Crawford has displayed significant potential in F2, including wins in Monaco and Imola, placing him third in the standings.
What about Daniel Ricciardo?
Daniel Ricciardo is often mentioned when discussing Cadillac`s driver pool, a significant figure despite his absence. The highly popular Australian hasn`t been in the F1 paddock since his unexpected exit from Red Bull following last year`s Singapore Grand Prix. From a marketing viewpoint, Ricciardo would be an excellent choice, and if he could recapture his previous Red Bull performance, it would be an ideal scenario.
However, there`s little evidence Ricciardo is keen on an F1 comeback. Since late last season, he`s grown a beard and seems content enjoying life on his Perth farm, alongside starting new businesses, including a tailgate company, adding to his DR3 wine and Enchanté clothing brands. He appears focused on these ventures for now.
At a clothing line event in New York last year, a fan reportedly asked him about Cadillac while filming a selfie. Ricciardo reportedly shook his head and replied, “Nah, I`m done.” This attitude seems genuine. Sources close to Ricciardo have informed ESPN that he has no interest in returning to Formula 1 and may have concluded his motorsport career entirely.
Rupert Caldwell 
Tristan Blackwood