Cadillac, set to join Formula 1 in 2026, is actively negotiating to finalize its driver lineup. Team principal Graeme Lowdon confirmed discussions with Mick Schumacher, Valtteri Bottas, and Sergio Pérez, while Brazilian Felipe Drugovich remains a possibility but without concrete progress. The talks, happening behind the scenes of motorsport, aim to balance experience and potential for the American team’s debut, backed by Andretti and powered by Ferrari engines. The selection process, expected to extend until late 2025, reflects Cadillac’s cautious strategy to build a strong foundation. Negotiations are intensifying amid a competitive driver market, with meetings scheduled during events like the British Grand Prix. The choice of drivers will be pivotal for the team’s success in its inaugural season.
Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 marks a significant moment for the sport, aiming to expand its presence in the U.S. market. With the team focused on developing a competitive car, Lowdon emphasized the need for drivers who can provide precise technical feedback. The decision between experienced veterans and young talent is a key challenge for the team. Names like Bottas, with extensive experience at top teams, and Schumacher, eager to relaunch his F1 career, are at the forefront of discussions.
- Drivers in talks: Mick Schumacher, Valtteri Bottas, and Sergio Pérez are confirmed as top targets by Lowdon.
- Future prospects: Young drivers like Felipe Drugovich and Frederik Vesti are also under consideration, though less prioritized.
- Timeline: Cadillac plans to announce at least one driver by the end of 2025, with the second seat potentially finalized by September.
The search for drivers underscores Cadillac’s ambition to establish itself as a competitive team from the start. The project, supported by TWG Motorsport and General Motors, promises to bring innovation to the sport.
Cadillac’s strategy for 2026
Cadillac is entering Formula 1 with the goal of building a robust team from scratch. Graeme Lowdon, with his motorsport experience, stressed that while car development is the current priority, driver negotiations are progressing. Choosing experienced drivers like Bottas or Pérez could speed up the team’s adaptation to the sport’s complexity. Lowdon noted that the team isn’t looking for drivers solely motivated to “prove something,” but rather those who can deliver valuable technical insights.
Bottas, with 10 wins and stints at Williams, Mercedes, and Sauber, is seen as a frontrunner to lead the project. His experience at top teams and current role as a Mercedes reserve make him ideal for providing technical feedback. His recent social media post praising a Cadillac SUV’s “great seat” sparked speculation about a potential deal.
Meanwhile, Sergio Pérez, who left Red Bull in late 2024, is seeking a project that values his experience. With standout victories like the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix and strong commercial appeal, the Mexican is an attractive option for Cadillac, particularly for drawing sponsors.
Mick Schumacher’s shot at a comeback
Mick Schumacher, son of legendary Michael Schumacher, is a strong contender in the negotiations. After racing for Haas from 2020 to 2022, the German faced challenges with an uncompetitive car but showed promise in races like the 2022 Austrian Grand Prix. Since then, Schumacher has excelled in the World Endurance Championship with Alpine, boosting his versatility. His recent appearance at the 2025 6 Hours of São Paulo gave him visibility, where he confirmed talks with Cadillac.
Schumacher expressed pride in being considered for Cadillac’s “exciting project” with a promising technical team. His ties to Mercedes, where he serves as a reserve, could ease negotiations, especially with support from team boss Toto Wolff, who is keen to place his drivers back on the grid.
Felipe Drugovich: an uncertain opportunity?
Brazilian Felipe Drugovich, the 2022 Formula 2 champion, is often linked to Cadillac but faces an uncertain path. As a reserve driver for Aston Martin, Drugovich has no clear route to a race seat with the British team, prompting him to explore other options. He competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2024 and 2025 with Cadillac, building ties with the brand in endurance racing. However, he denied advanced talks with Cadillac’s F1 team, suggesting negotiations are still in early stages.
Drugovich remains optimistic but acknowledges the tough competition. In a recent interview, he said he’s “doing everything” to secure an F1 seat. His Formula 2 success and endurance experience make him a strong prospect, but Cadillac’s preference for experienced drivers could pose a challenge.
- Drugovich’s background: 2022 F2 champion, currently a reserve at Aston Martin.
- Challenges: Competing against experienced drivers like Bottas and Pérez.
- Opportunities: His involvement in Cadillac’s endurance program strengthens his connection to the brand.
- Outlook: A choice favoring young talent could boost Drugovich’s chances if Cadillac opts for a mix of experience and youth.
Experience versus youth: Cadillac’s dilemma
Cadillac faces a strategic choice in selecting its driver lineup. Opting for two experienced drivers like Bottas and Pérez could ensure stability and valuable technical feedback for a debutant team. Alternatively, pairing a veteran with a young talent like Drugovich or Schumacher offers long-term growth potential. Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsport, emphasized the value of experience in the first year but didn’t rule out younger drivers.
The decision will hinge on factors like commercial appeal, project fit, and development potential. Drivers like Pérez bring visibility in the Latin American market, while Bottas offers technical consistency. Schumacher and Drugovich represent bets on talents who could evolve with the team.
Additional names in the mix
Beyond the main candidates, other drivers have surfaced in speculation. Frederik Vesti, a young Formula 2 driver, is a less likely option. Zhou Guanyu, formerly with Sauber and now a Ferrari reserve, has been mentioned but lacks concrete confirmation. Yuki Tsunoda, from RB, was recently noted for his consistent performances, though his Honda ties could complicate talks.
Cadillac is also considering American drivers like Colton Herta and Alex Palou to bolster its local identity. However, the initial focus seems to lean toward experience, favoring names like Bottas and Pérez.
The driver market dynamics
The 2026 driver market is highly competitive, with several teams reshaping their lineups. Pérez’s exit from Red Bull and Bottas’s push for a return to a race seat have fueled intense negotiations. As a new entrant, Cadillac has the advantage of attracting unsigned drivers but faces pressure to select those aligning with its strategic vision.
Meetings during the 2025 British Grand Prix were pivotal in advancing talks. Lowdon and Towriss met with representatives of several drivers, including Bottas and Schumacher, to align expectations. The goal is to announce the first driver in the coming weeks, with the second seat potentially finalized by September.
Expectations for the Cadillac project
Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1, partnered with Andretti, is a landmark for the sport. The team will use Ferrari engines in 2026, with plans to develop its own power units by 2029. This ambitious project demands drivers who blend technical skill with adaptability to a fledgling team.
Lowdon stressed that Cadillac isn’t a “vehicle for drivers to prove something” but a platform to maximize their potential. The driver choices will reflect this philosophy, prioritizing results and technical development.
Timeline and next steps
Cadillac plans to ramp up negotiations in the coming months, focusing on events like the Austrian Grand Prix and other 2025 races. The team is simultaneously developing its car, with initial tests slated for early 2026. Driver selection will integrate with this process, ensuring the chosen drivers contribute to the project’s evolution.
- Planning: First driver announcement by late 2025.
- Development: Car testing starting in 2026, incorporating driver feedback.
- Partnerships: Collaboration with Ferrari for engines and Andretti for infrastructure.
- Market: Driver choices aim to attract sponsors and global visibility.
Competition on the grid
Formula 1 in 2026 will see significant changes, with new teams and technical regulations. Cadillac will face competition from established teams like Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari, as well as newcomers like Audi. Choosing experienced drivers could help Cadillac stand out in an increasingly competitive grid.
The presence of names like Bottas and Pérez, with proven track records, could draw attention to the project. Meanwhile, drivers like Schumacher and Drugovich offer a balance of short- and long-term potential.