Cadillac are searching for their first two Formula 1 drivers after having their entry for the 2026 season confirmed.
The American brand will become the sport’s 11th team on the grid, marking the first time F1 has had 22 cars since 2016. Cadillac will join when the 2026 technical regulations come into effect, which are set to transform the sport as it moves to becoming more sustainable.
Many current F1 teams think Cadillac have a ‘head start’ for 2026. That is because the team can solely focus on the new regulations, while the existing 10 outfits must balance developing next year’s car with the 2025 machine.
Cadillac aim to bring their own power unit to the sport by the end of the 2020s. The main problem that needs solving now is who will drive their two cars in 2026.
Several drivers have been mentioned in the running, with Mario Andretti wanting an American driver to get alongside an experienced head in the ideal scenario. After FP1 at the Bahrain Grand Prix, a new name has emerged in the picture to join the team.
Frederik Vesti is eyeing a 2026 seat with Cadillac but FP1 in Bahrain proves he is not ready
Six rookies were handed outings in FP1 at the Sakhir International Circuit. Teams must hand over their cars to drivers who have competed in fewer than two Grand Prix twice per machine across the season.
Mercedes handed an appearance to Frederik Vesti in Bahrain, who took over George Russell’s car. The Norweigan finished second in F2 in 2023 behind Theo Pourchaire.
| Pos | Driver | Car | Time | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lando Norris | McLaren Mercedes | 1:33.204 | |
| 2 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine Renault | 1:33.442 | +0.238s |
| 3 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | 1:33.800 | +0.596s |
| 4 | Alexander Albon | Williams Mercedes | 1:33.928 | +0.724s |
| 5 | Esteban Ocon | Haas Ferrari | 1:34.184 | +0.980s |
| 6 | Nico Hulkenberg | Kick Sauber Ferrari | 1:34.262 | +1.058s |
| 7 | Jack Doohan | Alpine Renault | 1:34.396 | +1.192s |
| 8 | Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls Honda RBPT | 1:34.397 | +1.193s |
| 9 | Yuki Tsunoda | Red Bull Racing Honda RBPT | 1:34.484 | +1.280s |
| 10 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren Mercedes | 1:34.508 | +1.304s |
| 11 | Gabriel Bortoleto | Kick Sauber Ferrari | 1:34.628 | +1.424s |
| 12 | Isack Hadjar | Racing Bulls Honda RBPT | 1:34.667 | +1.463s |
| 13 | Luke Browning | Williams Mercedes | 1:34.885 | +1.681s |
| 14 | Dino Beganovic | Ferrari | 1:35.055 | +1.851s |
| 15 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin Aramco Mercedes | 1:35.116 | +1.912s |
| 16 | Felipe Drugovich | Aston Martin Aramco Mercedes | 1:35.198 | +1.994s |
| 17 | Ryo Hirakawa | Haas Ferrari | 1:35.261 | +2.057s |
| 18 | Frederik Vesti | Mercedes | 1:35.325 | +2.121s |
| 19 | Ayumu Iwasa | Red Bull Racing Honda RBPT | 1:35.475 | +2.271s |
| 20 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | 1:38.051 | +4.847s |
Vesti was 18th in the session, over two seconds off table topper Lando Norris. According to journalist Thomas Maher, the 23-year-old is hoping to land a seat with Cadillac in 2026.
He said via X (formerly Twitter): “Just chatted with Fred Vesti after his FP1 session, and he’s confirmed he’s working hard on securing a seat on the grid next season – including putting his hat in the ring for a Cadillac F1 seat.”
While Vesti will be hopeful of a chance to get an F1 seat, his performance in FP1 left something to be desired. He was constantly seen locking up the front tyres throughout the session and clearly struggled to find pace.
He was the second lowest-placed rookie in FP1, only beating Ayumu Iwasa in the Red Bull. It is clear Vesti has a lot of work to do before he can be considered by Cadillac for 2026.
READ MORE: All to know about General Motors’ Cadillac F1 team from engine to drivers
Cadillac must consider two other Bahrain rookies for the 2026 season
As aforementioned, Cadillac have several options on the table for 2026. Valtteri Bottas has been heavily linked with the team, while Sergio Perez’s sponsors are currently negotiating a deal for an F1 return after his axe from Red Bull.
The American outfit have several young and exciting drivers who are also worth considering – and it seems Vesti has competition from some of his FP1 rookies. Cadillac spoke with Felipe Drugovich at the Japanese Grand Prix as he eyes a full-time seat after years on the sidelines at Aston Martin.
The Brazilian has been snubbed of an F1 seat by the Silverstone-based outfit, despite showing great promise in FP1 sessions. Cadillac simply must consider Drugovich for 2026 as his talent is worthy of a shot in the sport.
Dino Beganovic could also be an option after finishing P14 in FP1 in Bahrain. Cadillac will run Ferrari engines for their first few seasons, giving the Swedish talent a strong connection to the team already.
