Ralf Schumacher tells Cadillac to go all out and sign ‘top candidate’ 19-podium F1 driver instead of Sergio Perez

 The identity of Cadillac’s first Formula 1 drivers is still unknown, with both seats still to be filled ahead of their debut on the grid next season.

Plenty of names have been linked with the American team in recent months, with F1 Oversteer understanding Frederik Vesti is an option for Cadillac having raced for the outfit in other series.

Sergio Perez has also been on Cadillac’s radar for some time after he lost his seat at Red Bull at the end of last year.

There are plenty of former F1 drivers hoping to catch Cadillac’s attention, with Mario Andretti particularly impressed with Mick Schumacher.

However, given his pedigree, it makes sense for Perez to be near the top of their list.

That is unless your name is Ralf Schumacher, who is convinced that Graeme Lowdon’s team needs a current, established star to lead them during their maiden F1 campaign.

He shortlisted a few drivers who would be suitable candidates but has suggested that while it would take ‘a lot of money’, Cadillac should be trying to sign George Russell when his Mercedes contract expires.

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Cadillac told to try and sign George Russell from Mercedes for the 2026 F1 season

Schumacher was speaking on the Backstage Boxengasse Podcast and when asked who he would sign if he was in charge of Cadillac, explained, “I wouldn’t take any drivers that aren’t currently running at the moment.

“They’re not good enough in my opinion. They have proven this many times and then that creates a problem that you don’t need.

“I would first try to poach someone big in the current Formula 1 paddock. That’s possible, for example, for George Russell, he doesn’t have a contract with Mercedes yet.

“So, if I were Cadillac now, I would take a lot of money, ring his doorbell, and say, we want you for the next three to five years. Here is your opportunity.

“For me, he would be the top candidate, number one, and of course, he’s young too.

“But I wouldn’t go for Perez and the like, I don’t see where that’s going to lead.

“And then we must not forget that Americans will probably also play a big role. So, you have to think about it carefully, but at the moment, I would go for young people with a bit of experience.

“Someone like George Russell or Pierre Gasly is theoretically, so there are a few who are currently driving.

“Albon would also be a topic if he were free, then don’t forget Carlos Sainz, who also has a contract that allows him to leave at any time we have heard.”

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Why George Russell is at the centre of the Formula 1 driver market

It would be a huge twist in the Formula 1 driver market if Cadillac somehow managed to snag Russell from Mercedes.

The Brit, who currently has 19 podium finishes to his name, is in a more precarious position than someone of his talents and recent form should be.

Russell’s contract expires at the end of the season and in recent weeks, Mercedes have been linked with a move for Max Verstappen.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has held informal chats with Russell in case he needs to replace his star driver.

However, if that fell through, then an open spot on the grid for him to land would be at Cadillac.

Given he spent three years struggling at the back of the grid with Williams, he’s unlikely to want a repeat of that fate again with the American team unlikely to hit the ground running in 2026.