Formula 1 silly season is just about closing up shop for 2025, but already the market is open for business ahead of 2026.
With Cadillac entering the sport as an 11th team, there will be 22 drivers on the grid for the first time in 10 years.
It comes at a time when greater opportunity was required, with so many talents and junior formulae champions missing out on seats.
The American outfit have a whole host of drivers to choose from, from Theo Pourchaire to Valtteri Bottas – who could they pick?
Felipe Drugovich has made a ‘good impression’ with Cadillac
One Formula 2 champion who has been without a seat since claiming the silverware is Felipe Drugovich – a long-time servant to Aston Martin.
Operating as their reserve driver, he will participate in the post-season Pirelli test for them after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
His speed was evident during his junior career, and he has maintained impressive levels of professionalism even after failing to progress further.
READ MORE: Why Cadillac simply have to sign Felipe Drugovich when they join the Formula 1 grid in 2026
It’s clear that he hasn’t given up on securing a full-time drive in Formula 1, and rightfully so at the age of 24, when he has plenty left to deliver.
According to UOL Esporte, he has made a good impression with Cadillac this year following an entry into the 24 Hours of Le Mans alongside Jack Aitken and Pipo Derani.
Who else could Cadillac sign for 2026?
Having spent two years watching on and learning how a Formula 1 team works, Drugovich would obviously be a good candidate.
Partnering him with some experience would be a good option, as Sauber/Audi have done in placing Nico Hulkenberg alongside Gabriel Bortoleto.
The aforementioned Bottas, who brings race and championship-winning experience would be a good start, but so too would Kevin Magnussen, Sebastian Vettel or Daniil Kvyat.
READ MORE: Jenson Button backs his ‘extremely quick’ former teammate for 2026 Cadillac F1 seat
There’s also the possibility of chucking another promising young driver in – with a whole host of promising talent in Formula 2 including Paul Aron or even Williams’ Franco Colapinto.
They might want to take a look at a home-grown option like Colton Herta, who is no stranger to going fast in single-seaters.
Wherever they go with their choice, Drugovich would be an excellent start for them, and provide a proven option to them while they get up to speed in the sport.
