As Cadillac prepares to join Formula 1 as the sport’s eleventh team in 2026, the General Motors-backed outfit is closing in on finalizing its driver lineup for its debut season.
With team principal Graeme Lowdon leading the evaluation process, alongside input from GM and TWG Motorsports, Cadillac is prioritizing experience to navigate the challenges of entering F1 with what is expected to be the grid’s least competitive car.
While no contracts have been signed, discussions with several drivers are advancing, with a decision on at least one seat potentially coming by the end of this month.
Bottas a Leading Candidate
Among the pool of available talent, Valtteri Bottas is understood to be the most likely early signing for the American team. The 34-year-old Finn, a 10-time Grand Prix winner, is currently serving as Mercedes' reserve driver after being dropped by Sauber at the end of 2024.
Bottas has made it clear he is eager to return to the grid and is believed to be extremely keen on the Cadillac project.
Talks have already taken place between the Finn’s management and the team, including direct conversations. While Alpine has also explored his availability, Bottas is reportedly more drawn to Cadillac’s long-term vision and structure.
Read also: Alpine exploring surprise in-season move for Bottas“Valtteri is a very attractive candidate for a Cadillac seat,” TWG Motorsports boss Dan Towriss told Sky F1 last weekend at Silverstone
“He’s a fantastic driver and there are opportunities. We’re confident in the process of where it’s going to shake out.”
Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon also emphasized the value of experience for a new entrant.
This philosophy may tip the scales further in Bottas’ favor, as his extensive knowledge of top-tier operations at Mercedes and Sauber would bring immediate credibility and leadership.
Perez in the Mix, but Playing the Long Game
Another top-level experienced candidate under strong consideration is Sergio Perez, who parted ways with Red Bull at the end of last season and has not returned to the F1 paddock since.
While previous negotiations were conducted by his management, Perez has reportedly joined recent meetings in person with Cadillac decision-makers — though not during the British Grand Prix, according to a report from The Race.
A pairing of Bottas and Perez remains a genuine possibility, giving Cadillac a formidable lineup with vast F1 mileage and proven results at the front end of the grid.
However, Cadillac’s ownership – a joint effort between General Motors and TWG Motorsports – appears inclined to lock in one seat soon and evaluate the evolving market before making a second commitment.
In this context, Bottas could be confirmed within weeks, while a second driver may not be announced until later this year.
Younger Candidates and Strategic Considerations
Although the team prefers experience, a few younger names are being monitored closely. Yuki Tsunoda stands out as a possible wild-card option. The Japanese driver, currently racing for Red Bull’s sister team, still has full support from the Red Bull camp, but his long-term status is uncertain.
Should Tsunoda become available, Cadillac may view him as a strong secondary option – particularly if it decides to pair a veteran with a driver who has recent F1 race mileage but also room to grow.
Another name gaining traction is Zhou Guanyu, now serving as Ferrari’s reserve after losing his Sauber seat. His ties to Ferrari – Cadillac’s engine supplier – and participation in Ferrari’s 2026 tyre test make him a logical fit.
Additionally, Lowdon was involved in managing Zhou earlier in his career. However, geopolitical tensions between China and the United States may complicate any move.
Reserve Options and Rising Talents
Beyond active or recently-active race drivers, Cadillac is also assessing a number of reserve drivers and emerging prospects.
Jack Doohan, recently released by Alpine after only six races in 2025 and now acting as a Cadillac reserve, is being seriously considered. He’s seen as a driver with F1 experience and a strong technical understanding, though his performance earlier this year has led to mixed evaluations.
Read also: Keanu Reeves to host new docuseries on Cadillac's entry into F1Felipe Drugovich, the 2022 Formula 2 champion and Aston Martin reserve, is another viable option. He has ties to the Cadillac operation through his involvement in its endurance racing programme, including outings at Daytona and Le Mans.
Aston Martin is not expected to retain Drugovich for a race seat, which could make him available if Cadillac decides to pair a rookie with a veteran.
Paul Aron, Alpine’s reserve and a standout F2 performer, has also been spotted in discussion with Cadillac leadership. However, as a complete rookie and a driver with firm Alpine links, his candidacy appears more complicated.
Decision Timeline and Long-Term Vision
With no formal timeline announced, the team is committed to being methodical. Cadillac is aware it will likely enter F1 with the slowest car in 2026, and is prioritizing drivers who are both capable and team-focused.
The goal, according to insiders, is to build a strong foundation – not just for debut season performance, but to develop a team identity and working culture that can grow competitively in the long term.
In that spirit, locking in a team player like Bottas with proven commitment in rebuilding phases could be a crucial first move. If confirmed soon, his signing could set the tone for how Cadillac plans to operate in Formula 1: deliberate, pragmatic, and with a focus on sustainable progress.
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