Cadillac are weighing up their options for the 2026 Formula 1 season. The American brand joins the grid as the 11th team next year.
With the 2026 season and a new era of regulations fast approaching, Cadillac have been making extensive efforts behind the scenes to get the operation ready in time.
Backed by General Motors, the team took over Andretti’s headquarters at Silverstone after their bid to join F1 collapsed. However, they did so without having official approval from the sport, which set them back in costs.
‘Whispers’ in the paddock say Cadillac will rely on external suppliers to save time. Ferrari will supply Cadillac with power units until GM make the American brand a works team at the end of the decade.
The team are being realistic about their prospects in 2026, with team principal Graeme Lowdon expecting to be towards the back of the grid. But that has not lowered interest in Cadillac, with several drivers eyeing a move for next season.
Natalie Pinkham says Cadillac are in talks with eight drivers for the 2026 season
Cadillac discussed at least five potential signings at the Miami GP as they held their official launch event. Multiple experienced names have been mentioned in the running, such as Sergio Perez, Valtteri Bottas, Zhou Guanyu and Mick Schumacher.
Perez and Zhou are ‘best positioned’ to join Cadillac in 2026, but that could quickly change with the options available. Natalie Pinkham revealed that a ‘very reliable’ source within the team told her they are currently in talks with eight drivers.
“Right, so, bit of inside gossip. I had a good chat with someone very reliable at the team,” she said while speaking at the Miami GP via Gabs Motorsport on Instagram.
“And he told me that they are in talks with eight drivers at the moment. As you know, there’s a lot of talent out there. Eight are in the running.
“The sport is going from strength to strength out there, so it would be great to have an American driver in there. Who knows, it could be a woman!”
READ MORE: All to know about General Motors’ Cadillac F1 team from engine to drivers
Sergio Perez is the favourite to join Cadillac but he could look elsewhere
Since losing his seat at Red Bull, Perez has been heavily linked with Cadillac. The Mexican brings a wealth of experience in F1, as well as commercial value with his sponsors and fanbase in North America.
Guenther Steiner would sign Perez and Bottas to Cadillac, prioritising experience for the team over anything else. The former would be invaluable for the team, but they are not his only option for 2026.
Alpine have held talks with Perez over a possible seat next season. The Enstone squad are assessing their driver pool after Franco Colapinto replaced Jack Doohan for the next five races.
Perez is also exploring Mercedes as an option, with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli out of contract in 2025. The Mexican’s indecisiveness leaves everyone guessing who Cadillac will sign at this stage.
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