Cadillac have now chosen their first F1 driver for 2026 debut with contract ‘finalised’

Cadillac will become Formula 1’s newest team in 2026 as the size of the grid increases to 22. Their arrival has shaken up the driver market.

After the upheaval of 2024’s remarkable silly season, this year looked set to be more settled. Most of the drivers tied themselves down to multi-year deals.

But Cadillac could now offer a lifeline to some of the veterans who have recently lost their place, as well as overlooked young talent. They will race with a Ferrari engine for their first three seasons.

In 2029, they will effectively become a General Motors works team as the American giants introduce their own power unit. The prestige of the brand and the promise of manufacturer backing make them an attractive option.

Cadillac’s F1 project is headed up by Graeme Lowdon, formerly of Virgin/Marussia. F1 veterans Nick Chester and Pat Symonds have also been brought on board.

Cadillac reach agreement with Sergio Perez for 2026 F1 season

According to a report from German publication Bild, Cadillac have now filled one of their seats by signing Sergio Perez. Perez accepted a pay-off from Red Bull last December.

The Mexican had a contract for 2025 (and a team option for 2026) but Christian Horner and co. sought to make a change after his performances deteriorated. However, replacement Liam Lawson boosted Perez’s reputation by lasting just two races.

There’s a feeling that Perez, like drivers before and after him, may have been a victim of a fundamental problem with Red Bull’s second seat. Cadillac will also value his immense experience, with 285 race starts to his name (eighth all-time).

Bild say the move is ‘confirmed’ with a contract ‘finalised for months’. The team had been teasing an announcement at the Miami Grand Prix, and with Perez due to attend the race, it seems this could be the big news.

F1 fans have already made it clear who they want to partner Sergio Perez

Perez has won six Grands Prix and stood on the podium 39 times. Most importantly for Cadillac, he achieved 10 of those podiums with midfield teams.

Indeed, while his big moves to McLaren and Red Bull failed, Perez was an enormous asset to Sauber and Force India/Racing Point. Once the deal is made official, attention will quickly turn to the other cockpit.

Bild claim that Cadillac’s top target is Colton Herta. IndyCar driver Herta impressed in a 2022 F1 test for McLaren.

However, F1 fans want to see Cadillac form an all-Mexican line-up by signing Pato O’Ward alongside Perez. O’Ward, currently on McLaren’s books, also competes in the US series.