Andretti Keeps Driver Options Open for Cadillac F1

Andretti remains flexible on driver choices as Cadillac F1 prepares its debut, eyeing American talent and seasoned competitors alike.

Cadillac F1 will announce its drivers for 2026 once its still-provisional entry is officially confirmed.

This was confirmed by Mario Andretti, as speculation grows during the winter about the two new seats to be filled.

Colton Herta is considered the favorite, a fact he does not deny, though he recently expressed caution, even pessimism, about his chances.

Others have clearly positioned themselves as available, including Valtteri Bottas, Guanyu Zhou, and Mick Schumacher.

“Numerous drivers are being considered,” said Mario Andretti, a consultant for the American team.

“As I stated in December, we are keeping all options open. Our priority is to finalize our entry.”

Does he have a preference?

“I think the goal from the beginning has been to have at least one American driver. It also makes perfect sense to pair an experienced driver with an American driver.”

“It will probably be Colton Herta, but you have to keep your options open.”

“You never know what might happen when the final decision is made. Suddenly, someone you never expected could become available.”

“One must think positively. One must aim high.”

Former F1 driver Jacques Villeneuve believes that “for a team like this, Carlos Sainz is exactly the right type because he knows how to help build teams.”

“That’s why Williams took him, and I’m not sure they would be willing to let him go for 2026. But he might have an exit clause in case the project isn’t as good as he expected when he joined.”

Villeneuve suggests that Cadillac has probably “already been flooded with calls from managers and drivers. They’ll all say, ‘I’m the ideal person to help you build your team.'”

“It won’t be easy for them to attract a big name because a driver with the necessary experience at a top team wouldn’t be happy just participating in the construction of a team.”

“This isn’t a first-choice destination for any of the top drivers.”