Cadillac may have to enter Formula 1 without its desired American driver—Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, on the other hand, have good chances
Cadillac will enter Formula 1 in 2026, but the US manufacturer has not yet announced a driver duo. The brand has openly stated that it would like to see an American in the cockpit. However, this plan does not seem to be working out for the time being, as experienced Formula 1 veterans Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez are available. Mick Schumacher could also be a possibility.
As a former IndyCar driver, James Hinchcliffe knows the US market like the back of his hand and currently sees no driver from the US who is really suitable for the job. He thinks it is more likely that Perez and Bottas will get the nod, as they bring valuable experience to the table.
This could help Cadillac become competitive more quickly, as the drivers have already been successful and have worked in top teams in the premier class for a long time. But which US drivers could step up to take over a cockpit in the future? Perez and Bottas are both 35 years old and may only be a short-term solution to kick-start the team.
IndyCar or F2 junior?
Hinchcliffe names Colton Herta and Kyle Kirkwood as possible candidates. Both compete in the IndyCar series. There is also an interesting youngster in Formula 2 driver Jak Crawford. Perhaps one of these drivers will take on the role of reserve driver for the time being.
From a German perspective, Mick Schumacher could also still have a chance at a cockpit if one of the veterans pulls out. Schumacher has already driven for Haas in Formula 1 and knows the series well. In the long term, however, Cadillac wants to achieve its goal of establishing an American driver in the premier class.
“I absolutely think that an American driver is the goal for this team, but performing at the highest level has to be the number one goal,” Hinchcliffe told F1. “And there is currently no American driver who could get in the car tomorrow and deliver the same results as someone with that much Formula 1 experience.”
Mick Schumacher with a chance?
“But Colton had a very successful test with McLaren,” the former IndyCar driver continued. “He was courted by AlphaTauri. There’s clearly talent there. And if you look at Kyle Kirkwood, who has beaten Colton Herta in the IndyCar Series on several occasions – both drivers are already under the TWG umbrella, so they’re practically family.”
“Then there’s Jak Crawford in Formula 2,” Hinchcliffe continued. “So there are a number of young Americans with potential. It won’t happen in 2026, but at some point we’ll see an American in that cockpit. [Schumacher] has completed his two seasons. They weren’t the best. I think he’s grown as a driver since then. He took on the role of Mercedes reserve driver and has probably learned a tremendous amount there.“
”I would always go with the two most experienced drivers if I were in charge of this program,“ Hinchcliffe said. ”But if one of them doesn’t work out for whatever reason, then Mick is definitely someone to seriously consider because he has the natural pace.”
Perez is hot
“If you look at his junior career, it always took him about a year and a half to get used to a car. We saw that at Haas, but it wasn’t enough to keep the cockpit. However, if he had a long-term project, something he could start from the beginning and knew he had time to learn – they probably wouldn’t be fighting for points right away – then maybe there would be a little less pressure. That could be an environment where he could flourish.”
“So I think it would be very smart for Jak Crawford or Felipe Drugovich to join this project now as reserve drivers in case Mick [Schumacher] doesn’t get the seat in two or three years. This team could move forward. They’re investing a lot, and who knows what will happen in a year or two.”
Journalist Lawrence Barretto adds: “I’ve spoken to Checo a few times over the past few months. What I can say is that he’s extremely hungry to get back to Formula 1 – but only for the right project. And I think the reason Cadillac is so attractive to him is everything they’re investing in this project.”
Experience counts
“And I think he understands that year one isn’t going to be the year he’s going to set the world on fire. But I think it’s an opportunity for him to use the skills that got him to the top: how he can motivate a team, manage tires, and develop a car over a season and through the winter.”
“I think all of those things are in short supply in the driver market right now. And I think that’s why Checo’s name came up so early, and why I believe he’ll be in the car,” Barretto said. “They need to put him in the car because they need that experience.”
“I think they want to get started as quickly as possible and find a way to build the team quickly. That’s why you need experience. I think Valtteri and Checo can offer that experience together,” Barretto clarifies.
Bottas still in the running?
“Valtteri has remained hungry in the paddock. He took the job as Mercedes reserve driver and does all the social media work he’s given. He’s ready for anything, but he also does the important things: he’s in the simulator, attends all the technical meetings and knows the development of the Mercedes for 2026 – that could be important.”
“He has tremendous experience with the Mercedes engine. He also had the Ferrari engine at Sauber. I’m putting together a checklist here that makes it impossible to say no to Valtteri Bottas. That’s why these two are my favorites, because I think they bring exactly that experience to the table.”
