Cadillac are stepping up their preparations ahead of making their Formula 1 debut in 2026.
At the Miami Grand Prix, Cadillac debuted their F1 logo and officially launched the team in front of an American audience.
Formula 1 have held off on adding an 11th team to the grid for years, but the General Motors-backed outfit were finally admitted into the fold late last year.
Work is already underway both within their American base and also their new British factory near Silverstone to prepare the most competitive car possible ahead of next season.
Formula 1 will introduce new regulations in 2026, which should help level the playing field for Cadillac.
However, one decision that needs to be made sooner rather than later is working out their driver line-up.
The F1 driver market has left Cadillac in a precarious position considering how many drivers switched teams this winter.
Sergio Perez has established himself as a candidate for Cadillac after losing his Red Bull seat last year, while F1 Oversteer understands Cadillac are interested in Mercedes reserve Frederik Vesti.
READ MORE: All to know about General Motors’ Cadillac F1 team from engine to drivers
Colton Herta has ‘lost weight’ in race for Cadillac F1 seat as Felipe Drugovich earns place on Graeme Lowdon’s shortlist
A report from Motorsport has shared more details about Cadillac’s search for their first Formula 1 drivers.
It’s now been suggested that Cadillac want to ‘avoid’ rookies for their first season on the grid.
This means that American IndyCar star Colton Herta has ‘lost weight’ in the race to be signed by new team principal Graeme Lowdon.
Herta is not currently eligible for an FIA superlicense, and would either need to complete 100km in an F1 practice session, or finish fourth or better in his season IndyCar campaign, and after five rounds, he currently sits ninth in the standings.
Mario Andretti is a huge fan of Herta’s and is acting as an advisor to the team, but that might not be enough to keep his name among those being discussed.
Perez is still the top name on Cadillac’s list, although Mick Schumacher was the only attendee at their launch event before the race in Miami.
Lowdon’s shortlist also consists of Zhou Guanyu and Valtteri Bottas, as well as Aston Martin reserve Felipe Drugovich.
His knowledge of the world of F1 is said to be one of the reasons why the Brazilian is being considered, while the ‘special’ 24-year-old currently races for Cadillac in the IMSA SportsCar Championship.
READ MORE: Cadillac plan talks at Miami Grand Prix over five signings for 2026 F1 team including Sergio Perez and 10-win driver
Cadillac can afford to be patient in F1 driver market as Sergio Perez interest increases
It’s clear that of all the drivers currently available to Cadillac, Perez appears to be the most straightforward option.
He has plenty of Formula 1 experience and a lot of financial backing from a host of sponsors.
However, Perez has been linked with Alpine after they dropped Jack Doohan in favour of Franco Colapinto.
There have even been suggestions that Mercedes would consider signing Perez if they lost George Russell at the end of his contract.
Neither of these options is immediately available to the Mexican, and being the face of Cadillac in Formula 1 might be far more appealing than the uncertainty of Alpine or playing second fiddle to Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Drugovich has been incredibly patient for his chance in F1 and has a fantastic opportunity in IMSA this season to impress Cadillac’s decision-makers.
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