Cadillac have several options available on the Formula 1 driver market to choose from for their debut season in 2026.
The American brand have been making extensive preparations behind the scenes ahead of becoming F1’s 11th team on the grid. They arrive in time for the 2026 F1 regulations alongside Audi, after they bought out Sauber.
Cadillac will run Ferrari engines for their first few seasons in F1. General Motors are looking to make the team a factory outfit by the end of the decade.
The biggest issue now is finding their first two drivers. The F1 driver market has several options available for Cadillac, who are beginning to weigh up their options.
The general consensus is that Cadillac wants an experienced driver to help build the team, with possibly a younger talent to go alongside them. Mario Andretti wants an American driver to bring on board, but might look past that with the experience on the table.
Guenther Steiner would sign Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez for Cadillac in 2026
Cadillac discussed five potential signings at the Miami Grand Prix as they held their official launch event. They have been in negotiations with several candidates, with there being a clear favourite to land the seat.
Sergio Perez has been heavily linked with Cadillac, with his sponsors opening discussions with the team over a potential deal. The Mexican dropped off the grid after losing his seat at Red Bull, but still proves a great option for midfield teams.
His experience and commercial impact will be invaluable to Cadillac as he looks the clear favourite to join the team. Former Haas boss Guenther Steiner has openly said the American outfit should bring in the 35-year-old for 2026, and he has chosen his ‘ideal’ teammate.
Speaking on F1 Explains, Steiner would choose Perez and Valtteri Bottas for Cadillac next season. The duo would offer huge experience to the team, with 16 wins between them across their careers.
“If I were Cadillac, I would look to experienced drivers, the same reason I said before,” he said.
“In a young team, the best is to get experience in people who have done it, who help the team to get going, who help the team to make progress quicker than the rookies.
“For me, the ideal team would be Bottas and Sergio Perez. I would bring them two in.”
READ MORE: All to know about General Motors’ Cadillac F1 team from engine to drivers
Valtteri Bottas could be best positioned to join Cadillac if Sergio Perez opts to join Alpine
Bottas has been linked with Cadillac since dropping out of F1. The Finn is acting as Mercedes’ reserve driver after Sauber opted to let him go at the end of 2024.
Claire Williams ‘cannot believe’ Bottas is off the grid, describing him as a ‘great driver’ and a ‘great personality’. The former Williams boss handed the 35-year-old his debut in F1 in 2013.
Bottas is an option for Cadillac to consider, but it seems he is not at the top of the list. Perez and Zhou Guanyu are ‘best positioned’ to join the team.
However, Perez’s talks with Alpine could help Bottas join Cadillac, with the Enstone outfit considering the Mexican for 2026. The Finn will have to fight his case hard to join F1’s 11th team, with them seemingly preferring his former Sauber teammate.
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