The Candidate Drivers for Team Cadillac
As Cadillac prepares to join Formula 1 in 2026, choosing the right drivers is critical to ensuring a competitive start. Several names are already appearing as potential candidates, each offering different strengths. Here are five drivers who might fit Cadillac perfectly, bringing experience, youth, marketability, or a combination of these factors. As the first new team in ten years, two empty driver seats will definitely cause some battles for it.
Sergio Pérez
Sergio Pérez, also known as “Checo,” is a veteran Formula 1 driver from Mexico with deep experience in racing at the highest level. Pérez previously raced for top teams like Red Bull Racing, achieving multiple wins and podium finishes, including his memorable victories in Monaco and Bahrain. Although Pérez lost his seat at Red Bull after the 2024 season, his racing skills remain highly respected in the paddock, especially his ability to manage tyre life and deliver consistent race pace, and the F1 world now realizes the poor performance in 2024 season is not Checo’s fault, because his successors Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda are not doing so well too. For a new team like Cadillac, having a driver with Pérez’s proven track record could help them quickly establish themselves. Additionally, Pérez is very popular in Mexico and Latin America, giving Cadillac the opportunity to connect with fans in these valuable markets.
Zhou Guanyu
Zhou Guanyu became the first-ever Formula 1 driver from China when he joined Alfa Romeo in 2022, quickly establishing himself as a reliable and consistent competitor with the highest grid position of fifth place, and two eighth-place finishes. He consistently demonstrated maturity, clean driving, and good feedback that helped Alfa Romeo develop their cars and reach sixth place in the Constructors Championship in 2022, and secure the one and only race finish for the team in Qatar 2024, scoring four points and getting the Driver of the Day Award. For 2025, he moved into a reserve driver role with Ferrari, gaining valuable insights working with a top-tier team. If Cadillac selects Zhou, they will not only acquire a talented and consistent driver but also benefit from Zhou’s huge popularity in China, one of the world’s largest automotive markets. Signing Zhou could thus help Cadillac expand its global brand awareness and attract sponsors from Asia. Also, don’t forget Zhou drove Ferrari engines for all of his career, and Cadillac will use a Ferrari engine too; Zhou is one step ahead with that advantage.
Colton Herta
Colton Herta is an American racing star who currently competes successfully in the IndyCar Series with Andretti Autosport. For several years, Herta has been discussed as America’s best hope to return to Formula 1, thanks to his impressive race wins, natural speed, and aggressive driving style. Although Herta recently signed a long-term contract extension in IndyCar, Cadillac’s partnership with Andretti Autosport to enter F1 significantly increases the likelihood of his move to Formula 1 in 2026. Bringing Herta onboard would immediately capture the interest of American audiences, fulfilling Cadillac’s ambition to have an American driver racing for an iconic American automotive brand. His youth, enthusiasm, and proven ability to win races under pressure would help Cadillac make an immediate impact on the grid. Berta can only get his super license if he finishes fourth or higher in the 2025 IndyCar, but things now are not looking good for him.
Valtteri Bottas
Valtteri Bottas is an experienced Finnish driver who raced for top teams such as Mercedes and Alfa Romeo, earning numerous podium finishes, victories, and pole positions. During his career. Known for his excellent qualifying pace and technical feedback, Bottas is highly valued by teams looking to develop their car quickly. After losing his full-time race seat and becoming a reserve driver at Mercedes in 2025, Bottas has expressed interest in returning to a full-time Formula 1 race seat. Cadillac could benefit greatly from Bottas’ extensive experience working with championship-winning teams, as well as his calm and professional attitude. His detailed understanding of car setup and development could help Cadillac quickly improve its performance in its debut season.
Jak Crawford
Jak Crawford is an up-and-coming young American driver currently competing in Formula 2, the direct feeder series to Formula 1. Crawford is part of Aston Martin’s driver academy, showcasing impressive speed and potential, achieving strong results and podium finishes at just 20 years old, and is having a strong start in the 2025 F2 season, claiming some wins and pole positions. Crawford can be a great backup plan for Cadillac if Herta can not get his super license. Selecting Crawford would allow Cadillac to invest in a young driver who can grow alongside the team, potentially providing long-term success. His nationality makes him especially appealing for an American team like Cadillac, as the sport seeks to further increase its popularity in the United States. Crawford’s youthful enthusiasm and determination to succeed in Formula 1 could be precisely what Cadillac needs to create excitement around their new F1 project.
