Mick Schumacher has been eyeing a return to Formula 1 since his sacking from Haas in 2022. Cadillac presents the perfect opportunity to get back on the grid.
The American outfit will be the 11th team in the paddock come 2026 after having their entry approved. Running with Ferrari engines for their first few seasons, Cadillac aim to bring their own power unit by the end of the decade.
The team’s arrival has added even more excitement about next season, with the 2026 F1 regulations set to transform the sport with smaller cars and an emphasis on sustainability. The only outstanding issue for Cadillac now is their drivers.
| Team | Drivers |
| McLaren | Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri |
| Ferrari | Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton |
| Red Bull | Max Verstappen and TBC |
| Mercedes | TBC |
| Aston Martin | Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll |
| Alpine | Pierre Gasly and TBC |
| Haas | Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman |
| Racing Bulls | TBC |
| Williams | Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz |
| Audi | Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto |
| Cadillac | TBC |
Yet to confirm either driver for 2026, the American team have several options to narrow down, with a decision potentially set to be made this weekend. Cadillac will discuss their driver line-up at the Miami Grand Prix, with the likes of Sergio Perez, Valtteri Bottas and Schumacher all linked.
Schumacher still has a ‘score to settle’ in F1 after losing his spot on the grid in 2022. The German is not ruling out a move to Cadillac, but the team have made their feelings clear about offering him a comeback.
Mick Schumacher is ‘not a consideration’ for Cadillac for the 2026 F1 season
Son of seven-time F1 champion Michael Schumacher, the 25-year-old never lived up to the same hype. In two disappointing seasons with Haas, he scored just 12 points – all of which in 2022.
The German had numerous accidents at Haas, which cost the team millions in damages. Mika Hakkinen says Schumacher damaged his reputation with F1 teams, which would explain why several outfits have looked past him for a seat since his exit in 2022.
Schumacher was beaten by Jack Doohan in a private test for a seat at Alpine in 2025. The 26-year-old currently competes in WEC with the French team, having served as a reserve driver for Mercedes after he left Haas.
Recently, Schumacher grabbed his second podium in WEC in the 6 Hours of Imola, which, according to a report from Blick, has ‘once again alarmed the German media’. It has prompted speculation that he is back on the F1 driver market ahead of 2026.
Cadillac seem his most likely, or only option to return to F1. However, according to the report, Schumacher is ‘not a consideration’ for the American team, nor is he on ‘any wish list or candidate list’.
READ MORE: Who is Mick Schumacher? All to know about Michael Schumacher’s son
Where do other targets stand with signing for Cadillac in 2026?
As aforementioned, F1’s 11th team have several options for 2026, but there is a clear favourite. It is expected that Sergio Perez will sign for Cadillac after holding numerous discussions with his sponsors about a return to the sport.
The Mexican offers huge commercial value with his sponsors and his fanbase in North America. Despite his struggles at Red Bull, Perez is a six-time Grand Prix winner and has huge experience in F1 with the likes of Sauber, McLaren and Force India/Racing Point.
With Perez seemingly nailed on to join the team, the issue now concerns his teammate. Bottas has been heavily linked with Cadillac, with discussions being held with the Finn.
Cadillac held talks with Felipe Drugovich in Japan as the Brazilian looks to finally land an F1 seat after years on the sidelines at Aston Martin. Colton Herta is also an option, but he currently does not qualify for a superlicense with his IndyCar form.
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