Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas emerge as frontrunners as Cadillac F1 builds a strong team for its 2026 grid debut.
Cadillac F1 has addressed growing rumors linking Sergio Perez to one of its race seats for 2026. German outlet Bild even claimed the Mexican driver had already signed with the team, which will debut as Formula 1’s 11th outfit next year.
While Perez is indeed under serious consideration, Cadillac is currently speaking with a broad group of drivers. According to team principal Graeme Lowdon, no decisions have been finalized yet.
“We’re in discussions with quite a few drivers, but there won’t be any announcements this weekend,” Lowdon said during the team’s Miami launch event. “It’s interesting. Every day I read that we’ve signed someone or are about to. That’s not the reality.”
Sergio Perez is reportedly in a strong position, but Lowdon emphasized that he’s not the only candidate. Valtteri Bottas, Zhou Guanyu, Mick Schumacher, and American Colton Herta are all said to be in the mix.
“We’ve had interest from many drivers,” Lowdon said. “We’re going to choose based on merit. That doesn’t just mean the fastest lap, but the full package that suits our team’s goals. We’re taking time to evaluate carefully and speak with people who understand what drives elite performance.”
American Driver Still on the Table
Colton Herta remains a serious candidate, particularly for the second seat. However, with no Formula 1 experience, his potential debut may not come as soon as 2026.
Dan Towriss, head of TWG, the group backing Cadillac F1, confirmed the team still aims to bring an American driver to the grid. “Our goal is to build an American team, with an American engine and ideally an American driver,” he said in Miami. “But we want to do it the right way. It’s not as simple as picking a guy from IndyCar and saying ‘Here’s your F1 seat.’ That could set someone up for failure.”
Lowdon agreed and added that while bringing in a U.S. driver would be a fan favorite move, it has to be based on performance, not nationality.
“This is a world championship. We need the very best drivers. If one or even two of them are American, great. That would excite the fans. But we’re not doing it for show. It has to be the right choice for the team and for the driver.”
Lowdon pointed out that studies show American fans want a homegrown driver in a U.S. team. Still, it has to be earned. “Technically, nothing’s stopping that from happening. But it must be on merit. That’s how we protect a young driver’s future and make sure they’re truly ready for Formula 1.”
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Cadillac F1 eyes Perez as top pick for 2026 seat
Cadillac F1 eyes Perez as top pick for 2026 seat