Cadillac representatives spoke to ‘special’ driver’s camp about 2026 F1 seat at the Japanese Grand Prix

The Formula 1 driver market is constantly in motion behind the scenes in the paddock, no matter how many seats are already spoken for ahead of next season.

Last year saw so many changes on the grid that many F1 drivers ended up signing multi-year deals, which should theoretically make this year much calmer.

However, there’s a trump card in all of these discussions that has yet to be played, and that’s the introduction of an 11th team to the sport in 2026.

Cadillac will make their Formula 1 debut next year after years of campaigning from Andretti to enter the sport.

The General Motors-backed outfit are starting on the back foot, given that they couldn’t take part in any discussions with drivers last year due to the uncertainty surrounding their entry into F1.

However, Cadillac have confirmed the use of a Ferrari power unit from next year until their own engine is ready, and two seats to fill heading into next season.

Their representatives were at the Japanese Grand Prix and were trying to suss out who might be interested in driving for them in 2026.

They held talks with one interested party who has been trying to get their driver into Formula 1 for years after dominating Formula 2.

READ MORE: All to know about General Motors’ Cadillac F1 team from engine to drivers

Cadillac representatives held talks with Felipe Drugovich’s camp at the Japanese Grand Prix

Journalist Joe Saward was writing on his blog after being in attendance at Suzuka for the third race of the season.

He explained that ‘Cadillac’s representative had set up shop’ in the FIA’s hospitality area during the race weekend and spoke to ‘the Drugovichs and Bottases of the world.’

Valtteri Bottas is on Cadillac’s radar, however, Saward explained that he expects the experienced Finn to remain with Mercedes in 2026 as reserve driver in the hope that an opportunity with the Silver Arrows or one of their customer teams that he also acts as a back-up for suddenly are in desperate need of a driver.

It’s impossible to know at this stage whether Cadillac will be competitive or not next year, but that won’t worry Felipe Drugovich.

Described as ‘special’ by former MP Motorsport boss Paolo Angilella, the Brazilian has been waiting far too long for his opportunity in F1.

He’s proven he has all the credentials to deserve a race seat on the grid since winning the F2 championship in 2022, but whether he ever gets that opportunity remains to be seen.

READ MORE: Felipe Drugovich admits he needs a drive after watching Gabriel Bortoleto’s Sauber testing footage

Felipe Drugovich is now entering a make-or-break year for his Formula 1 career

Drugovich has been on the sidelines in Formula 1 for three seasons now, and will turn 25 next month.

His opportunities have been fleeting to say the least, but Drugovich has impressed during his rare chances at Aston Martin, where he’s been a reserve driver for several years.

Brazilian fans chanted Drugovich’s name when Lance Stroll made a comical error at the beginning of last year’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

The Canadian spun off on the formation lap and, in his attempts to return to the track, beached himself in the gravel.

Drugovich has already made a positive impression on Cadillac during their previous conversations.

However, getting a deal over the line isn’t going to be easy considering how many drivers are desperate to race for Cadillac next season.