Cadillac is “not in a hurry” to sign its drivers for its 2026 Formula 1 debut and will only put an American in the car when there is someone who fits the bill.
The GM-backed squad will become F1’s 11th team from next year and is well under way with its car design, as well as working on its own power unit, which has been approved for use from 2029.
The main question mark hanging over Cadillac at the moment is who its drivers will be when the outfit enters the championship, with the experienced Sergio Perez being continually linked with the team.
For now though, Dan Towriss – chief executive of TWG Motorsports, the umbrella company that houses Cadillac – insists nothing has been signed with any drivers.
“I think the biggest thing is we’re not in a hurry to select a driver, there’s a lot that goes into selecting your pilot for Formula 1 from that standpoint,” he told a small group of reporters, including Motorsport.com, on site at the Miami Grand Prix.
“So we’re taking our time. The list certainly includes the names that many people are talking about. Although I do get a kick out of waking up each day and reading that we’re in the final stages of negotiation.”
Towriss did concede that having a driver pairing that can help build the team from the ground up will be key, with on-track performance not the only metric to judge potential incumbents on.
“I mean, obviously performance is one thing, but experience is another. This is a new entry. Getting the feedback on the car… you know, from that standpoint, it’s going to be crucially important,” he added.
Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsport
Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images
“You’re also not just talking about what’s on track but [what’s] in the sim from that standpoint. So, there’s a lot of aspects to that.
“Thankfully, Graeme (Lowdon, team principal) and a lot of others and Eric Warren (executive director) from GM Motorsports, we’re assimilating as much information as we can to really do our thorough due diligence and take our time and make the right decision.
“There are a lot of conversations taking place. There’s a lot of interest in this team and we’re very appreciative of that, for sure.”
As well as specific names, there has been talk of Cadillac wanting an American driver in the team.
Lowdon previously stated to Autosport that drivers will be selected on merit, but that did not necessarily rule out an American getting a seat.
Towriss conceded the plan is to have a ‘homegrown’ talent behind the wheel but is not wedded to that having to happen from 2026.
“I would describe it this way. That we’re committed to having an American driver. It’s important to all of us to do it the right way,” he added.
“That’s the thing. It doesn’t have to be next year. I think it’s going to be the right person, the right way, the right time.
“It’s not a gimmick to just grab somebody and drop them in the seat. Because it’s important to us that they’re successful, right?
“I think we want that person set up for success and want that seat respected when that American driver does come in for the team and so we’re really formulating that process, that plan as well, so we’re committed to that and we’ll find the right way and the right time to bring the right driver into Formula 1.”
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