Cadillac advances talks with drivers for F1 2026, but contracts remain unsigned

Cadillac, confirmed as the 11th Formula 1 team for 2026, is in advanced negotiations to finalize its driver lineup, with Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez as the leading candidates, though contracts remain unsigned. Sources close to the team indicate that talks are well underway, with key terms already agreed upon, but formal agreements are still pending. The new team, backed by General Motors and Andretti Global, plans to debut at the Australian Grand Prix in March 2026, powered by Ferrari engines. Brazilian Felipe Drugovich, the 2022 Formula 2 champion, stands out as a strong contender for one of the seats, while also being considered for Andretti in Formula E. The driver selection is strategic to ensure competitiveness and attract sponsors, with Cadillac aiming to balance experience with emerging talent. The uncertainty keeps the driver market buzzing, with heated discussions among fans and experts.

The team will conduct tests with a 2023 Ferrari car in 2025 to refine the project before its debut. The driver decision is expected to be announced after the summer break, possibly during the Italian or Dutch Grand Prix.

• Strategic priority: Experienced drivers like Bottas and Pérez for car development.
• Emerging talent: Drugovich is seen as a promising option for the second seat.
• Scheduled tests: Use of a 2023 Ferrari car for track simulations in 2025.

Anticipation grows as Cadillac finalizes its lineup to join the grid.

Cadillac’s path to Formula 1

Cadillac enters Formula 1 with a robust project, led by General Motors and supported by Andretti Global, now under TWG Global management. The team, with bases in Fishers, Indiana, and Silverstone, UK, paid a $450 million expansion fee to secure its grid spot. Initially rejected in 2024, the entry was approved after Michael Andretti stepped down, with Dan Towriss taking over as CEO.

The driver selection reflects the need for technical feedback for a developing car. Valtteri Bottas, with 10 wins and 67 podiums in 247 races, brings experience from teams like Mercedes, while Sergio Pérez, with six wins and 39 podiums in 281 GPs, adds commercial value, particularly in the Latin American market. Cadillac will use Ferrari engines until 2028, when General Motors plans to introduce its own power units.

• Major investment: $450 million fee for F1 entry.
• Operational bases: Fishers for management and Silverstone for technical development.
• Ferrari partnership: Engines supplied until 2028.
• New leadership: Dan Towriss replaces Michael Andretti in management.

Cadillac’s strategy blends financial strength with technical ambition to compete in an increasingly contested grid.

Our confirmed driver line up for 2026 featuring 22 seats! 🙌#F1 pic.twitter.com/9QlxooaM6E

— Formula 1 (@F1) March 7, 2025

Felipe Drugovich and his path to F1

Felipe Drugovich, 25, is one of the most promising candidates for a Cadillac seat. Hailing from Maringá, Paraná, the Brazilian won the 2022 Formula 2 championship with MP Motorsport, dominating the series with five victories. Since 2023, he has served as Aston Martin’s reserve driver, logging over 10,000 kilometers in F1 tests, including sessions with the AMR21 and AMR23.

Drugovich also has ties to Cadillac, having raced for the team in the IMSA SportsCar Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2024 and 2025. His consistency, never damaging an F1 car in testing, and his endurance racing experience make him a compelling candidate. However, he faces competition from other young drivers like Paul Aron and the team’s preference for experienced pilots.

• F2 title: Champion in 2022 with five wins and 11 podiums.
• F1 testing experience: Over 10,000 kilometers with Aston Martin.
• Cadillac connection: Raced at Le Mans and Daytona for the brand.
• Competition: Paul Aron and Jak Crawford also in contention.

Drugovich’s potential F1 debut with Cadillac would be a milestone for Brazilian motorsport.

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Other candidates and market uncertainties

Besides Bottas and Pérez, Cadillac evaluated several drivers for its debut. Yuki Tsunoda of Red Bull was considered, but his ties to Honda, set to supply Aston Martin engines in 2026, make his signing unlikely. Jack Doohan, Alpine’s reserve driver, was also discussed, but his lack of F1 race experience limits his chances. Zhou Guanyu, formerly with Sauber, was in the mix, but geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China may hinder his selection.

Young talents like Jak Crawford, a 20-year-old American racing in Formula 2, and Paul Aron, an Alpine junior, are also under consideration, though Cadillac seems to prioritize experience for its first season. Crawford, close to securing his super license, is a potential American representative, while Aron faces contractual hurdles with Alpine.

• Yuki Tsunoda: Honda ties reduce his likelihood.
• Jack Doohan: Limited F1 experience works against him.
• Zhou Guanyu: Geopolitical issues may limit his chances.
• Jak Crawford: Young American nearing super license eligibility.

The driver market remains active, with Cadillac at the center of speculation.

Paddock buzz and reactions

Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 has sparked lively debates among fans and analysts. On social media, the prospect of Bottas and Pérez as the driver lineup splits opinions, with some supporting the veterans’ experience and others advocating for young talents like Drugovich. The Brazilian gained attention after posting a video on Instagram featuring a helmet with Cadillac’s logo, though it was later revealed as a watch brand ad.

During the British Grand Prix, Cadillac representatives were spotted in Silverstone, fueling rumors of ongoing talks. The first driver announcement is expected at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza or the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, capitalizing on the events’ visibility. The decision will also impact sponsorship deals, with Pérez attracting Mexican brands and Bottas bolstering the team’s technical credibility.

• Fan reactions: Split between support for veterans and rookies.
• Silverstone activity: Meetings with drivers and teams.
• Strategic announcement: Likely reveal in Monza or Zandvoort.
• Commercial impact: Pérez could draw Latin American sponsors.

Cadillac aims to maximize global attention with its debut, and the driver choice will be a critical step.

Technical challenges and 2026 goals

Cadillac faces the challenge of building a competitive team from scratch. With 600 employees hired, including former Team Enstone members like Pat Symonds and Nick Chester, the team is banking on technical expertise to accelerate development. The Silverstone base facilitates access to F1 talent, while the Fishers headquarters focuses on commercial management and manufacturing.

Testing with a 2023 Ferrari car, scheduled for late 2025, will be crucial for chassis tuning and race team integration. Cadillac aims to score points in its debut season and target podiums by 2029, when it expects to compete with its own engine. Choosing experienced drivers is seen as vital to meeting these initial goals.

• Technical team: 600 employees, including ex-Enstone talent.
• 2025 testing: Use of 2023 Ferrari car for track simulations.
• Ambitious goals: Points in 2026, podiums by 2029.
• Own engine: General Motors plans power unit for 2028.

Cadillac is determined to make its mark in Formula 1, and the driver selection will be a game-changer.