Cadillac are edging closer to their Formula 1 debut in 2026. As such, they are beginning to weigh up their options for their driver line-up.
The American brand had their official launch event at the Miami Grand Prix as they prepare for their entry to the grid next year. As they look to become a factory team by the end of the decade, Cadillac now must choose their first two F1 drivers.
Cadillac spoke to up to five potential targets in Miami as they began to narrow down their options for next year. Over the weekend, F1 fans made it clear who they want to see in the team.
Sergio Perez is the clear favourite to race for the team, with his sponsors being in lengthy negotiations with Cadillac to get him back on the F1 grid. The Mexican provides a wealth of experience and commercial value with his fanbase in North America.
Zhou Guanyu is ‘best positioned’ alongside Perez to join Cadillac, given team principal Graeme Lowdon has been part of his management and his connections with the team through engine supplier Ferrari.
As well as Perez and Zhou, Mario Andretti wants an American driver to race for Cadillac in 2026. Possible options include IndyCar star Colton Herta and Aston Martin junior Jak Crawford.
Cadillac staff cannot decide whether to sign Colton Herta for the 2026 F1 season
Herta has been linked with Cadillac since General Motors tried to enter the sport with the Andretti bid. The American races for the team in IndyCar and been linked with a move to F1 for some time.
The 25-year-old is not the only US-based talent in the running to join the team. Crawford is targeting a seat at Cadillac and could give himself a strong chance if he performs well in F2 this season.
If there is a chance to, Cadillac will certainly look to bring an American on board to boost their support and F1’s audience in the country. However, journalist Julianne Cerasoli says staff cannot agree on whether to bring in a big name like Herta or someone experienced in Europe like Crawford.
“There are two factions, let’s say, within the team. One who thinks that if it’s going to be an American driver, it has to be a very well-known name in the United States, even if that name would be Herta,” she said via her YouTube channel.
“Even though there is a greater risk of bringing someone directly from IndyCar, someone who has not trained in European motorsport. Because there is the option of Jak Crawford, he is a driver at the Aston Martin academy at the moment, he is American and he is in Formula 2.
“So he’s a driver who was trained in Europe, but he’s not relevant in the United States. He’s just American, but he’s not a household name.
“So, within the team, there is a side that says: ‘If we are going to bring in an American, let’s bring in a guy who at least has training in European motorsports, knows the tracks, knows the type of Pirelli tyres and everything else.’
“Or, there are people who say: ‘No, if we are going to bring in an American, it will be more marketing and we will run the risk of bringing in a guy from IndyCar.”
READ MORE: All to know about General Motors’ Cadillac F1 team from engine to drivers
What are Colton Herta’s chances of joining the F1 grid in 2026?
The 25-year-old is regarded as one of IndyCar’s top talents, winning multiple races since joining the series in 2019. Herta has been described as ‘formidable’ by former engineer Marshall Pruett (via RACER) and the F1 world has paid attention to his skills.
McLaren boss Andrea Stella was blown away by Herta in private testing back in 2022. He has been long tipped as a top candidate for a Cadillac seat, but there is one key issue hampering his prospects.
Herta does not have enough superlicense points to join the grid. He can obtain the outstanding points in IndyCar this season if he finishes in the top four in the championship.
At present, he is sat eighth and is yet to score a podium after the opening four races. However, he is only nine points off the top four and fellow Cadillac candidate Pato O’Ward.
There is also the issue of getting the American mileage in F1 cars, which Cadillac will not have until their 2026 machine is ready. Cadillac could pay rival teams to test Herta and get him the testing he needs, but as it stands, the team may have to look elsewhere.
