Former Formula 1 champion and motorsport legend Mario Andretti has shared his insight into the driver lineup for the Cadillac F1 team ahead of the team entering the grid in 2026.
The American outfit is yet to confirm which two drivers will be joining, or returning, to the grid next year. But Andretti has confirmed that Mexican driver Sergio Perez is being considered amongst others. However, the 1978 F1 champion points out the “somewhat limited” choice available to the General Motors-backed organisation.
During an interview with Fox Sports, Andretti, who is on the board of directors at Cadillac F1, explained:
“All I can tell you is that he’s [Perez] certainly one of the drivers that’s being considered. He has to be. I cannot divulge as to where we are with any commitment whatsoever — I think we want to keep that luxury to ourselves until we feel that we have scanned the entire spectrum of availability. I think that’s a prudent thing to do.
“The choice is somewhat limited — let’s face it, a lot of the great talents are already under contract. Fortunately still there are a few out there — three or four; I’ll say maybe three — that certainly deserve consideration, and all of this is being looked upon very seriously. There are some conversations going on somewhere and in some other places. That’s as much as I can tell you to be fair to everyone.”
Multiple drivers have been linked to the team, although nothing is confirmed as of yet. As well as Perez, IndyCar drivers Colton Herta and Alex Palou, former F1 driver Mick Schumacher, Mercedes reserve driver Valtteri Bottas, and Ferrari reserve driver Zhou Guanyu, have all been rumoured to be in talks with the eleventh F1 team.
Although Andretti did not reveal any names, he confirmed the team was pleased with the response to some of the drivers mentioned. He added:
Mario Andretti, 1978 Formula 1 World Champion
Photo by: Alexander Trienitz
“What’s encouraging is that there is really some good reaction to individuals that want to join. I think that’s a good thing for us.”
Speaking about how realistic it would be for the team to sign an American driver, Andretti explained:
“Especially when you’re starting out, you have to try to consider the team itself — to go on merit,” he said. “If we feel that right at the moment we might wait a season or so before we bring in an American, so be it.
“As I said, the optimum idea would be if we could definitely say, ‘Yes, we have the American already’. At one point maybe we might have thought so, but we want to keep that option open.
“I think it’s really important to try to arm the team in the best way possible, especially going in.”
