Formula 1 is set to welcome a new team in 2026, and it’s one with a storied American legacy: Cadillac. This marks a significant moment for the sport, as Cadillac will be the first major U.S. carmaker to directly participate in F1 since the 1950s. The team will initially run as a customer team. Their long-term vision includes producing their own Formula 1 engines by 2028. The anticipation surrounding their driver lineup is already building. Who will be behind the wheel of those Cadillac F1 cars? Let’s delve into the possibilities, considering current partnerships, potential free agents, rising stars, and official statements.  

The Chaotic Pairing:

Imagine waking up and seeing this posted on the Formula 1 website:

Cadillac has shocked the Formula 1 world with their announcement. Their 2026 driver pairing will be none other than Nikita Mazepin and Nicholas Latifi.

“We wanted a lineup that would bring excitement and unpredictability to the track,” said a Cadillac spokesperson. They then nervously adjusted their tie and avoided eye contact. “And let’s be honest, these two certainly deliver on that front.”

Mazepin, known for his… erm… “robust” driving style and controversial off-track behavior, is relishing the opportunity. “I’m back, baby! Time to show these guys what I’m really made of. And by that, I mean mostly carbon fiber and questionable decisions.”

Latifi, meanwhile, expressed his gratitude for another chance in Formula 1. “I’m really looking forward to working with Nikita. Hopefully, with our combined experience, we can… well… at least try to keep the car on the track.”

Fans are already getting ready for a season of spectacular crashes. They anticipate baffling strategy calls and enough memes to last a lifetime. One thing’s for sure: With Mazepin and Latifi driving, Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 will certainly not be boring. It promises excitement.

#F1 #Mazepin #Latifi #Cadillac #ChaosIncoming #PrayForTheMarshals

Obviously, that was a joke. No one would be foolish enough to hire one of those drivers for their team in F1 again. Certainly not both. I had hopes for Latifi, being Canadian and all. Unfortunately, he was not up to the challenge. I highly doubt he will ever be given another chance in Formula 1 again. Let’s get into the real candidates now shall we?

Cadillac’s Motorsports Presence and Andretti Global

Cadillac’s involvement in motorsports is well-established. They have a strong presence in various racing series, including IMSA. They have achieved considerable success there. Their entry into Formula 1 signifies a bold step, not only for the brand but also for American motorsports. This venture is a testament to their commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation and performance on a global stage.  

Their F1 endeavor started in partnership with Andretti Autosport. They planned this to leverage Andretti’s existing infrastructure and expertise. This partnership aimed to unite two iconic American companies with strong motorsports backgrounds. It built on their past racing achievements and expanded their international reach. The team will now be known as Cadillac Formula Racing. They operate under the ownership of TWG Global. Dan Towriss is the CEO leading them. Andretti Global, while no longer directly involved in the team’s management, continues to provide support and infrastructure. Mario Andretti, the 1978 F1 world champion, will serve as an ambassador for the Cadillac F1 team.  

Cadillac aims to strengthen their commitment to Formula 1. They have established GM Performance Power Units LLC. This dedicated company focuses on developing their own power units. This new venture is led by Russ O’Blenes, an industry veteran with extensive experience in motor racing engineering.  

Andretti’s Current Drivers: A Pool of Potential Candidates?

Andretti Autosport fields drivers in several racing series, most notably IndyCar. Their current IndyCar lineup consists of Colton Herta, Kyle Kirkwood, and Marcus Ericsson. Could any of these drivers make the jump to Formula 1 with Cadillac?  

• Colton Herta: Herta is a young American driver who has generated significant excitement in IndyCar, securing nine race wins. He has been linked to Formula 1 before. Both Mario and Michael Andretti have expressed interest in having him on the team. However, Herta currently falls short of the 40 Super License points required to compete in F1. His performance in the upcoming IndyCar season will be crucial in determining his eligibility for an F1 seat.  
• Kyle Kirkwood: Kirkwood is another young American driver in Andretti’s IndyCar stable. He is undoubtedly talented. However, his relative lack of experience compared to Herta might make him a less likely candidate for a 2026 F1 seat.
• Marcus Ericsson: Ericsson, a former Formula 1 driver himself, brings valuable experience to the Andretti IndyCar team. He even has experience working with simulators for Andretti’s various racing programs, including their F1 project. His return to Formula 1 with Cadillac is not impossible. However, it seems less probable because the team prefers a younger American driver alongside an experienced F1 veteran.  

Beyond IndyCar, Andretti Autosport also has drivers competing in other series, including Formula E, with Jake Dennis and Nico Müller. Their current focus is on electric racing. This focus might make them less likely candidates for a Formula 1 seat in the near future.  

Surveying the Field: Potential Free Agents in 2026

The 2026 Formula 1 season could see a significant shift in driver lineups, with several drivers’ contracts expiring. Here are some potential free agents who might be on Cadillac’s radar:

• Sergio Perez: Perez was recently dropped by Red Bull before the 2025 season. His experience and race-winning pedigree could make him an attractive option for Cadillac. This is especially true if they are looking for a seasoned driver to lead the team.  
• Yuki Tsunoda: Tsunoda’s future with AlphaTauri (rebranded as Racing Bulls) beyond 2025 is uncertain. While he has shown flashes of speed, his inconsistency might make him a riskier choice for Cadillac.  
• Nico Hulkenberg: Hulkenberg’s multi-year contract with Audi starts in 2025. His experience and reputation as a solid driver could make him a potential candidate. However, his age might be a factor.  

It’s important to note that the driver market can change rapidly. New opportunities might arise as teams evaluate their performance and future plans.

Rising Stars: The Next Generation of F1 Drivers

Formula 1 teams are always on the lookout for promising young drivers, and Cadillac is no exception. Several drivers in junior Formula series could be ready for Formula 1 by 2026:

• Isack Hadjar: Hadjar is a Red Bull junior driver who will make his F! debut for Racing Bulls in 2025. His performance in Formula 1 could make him a target for other teams, including Cadillac.  
• Liam Lawson: Lawson, another Red Bull junior, is also set to make his F1 debut in 2025. His progress in Formula 1 will be closely watched by teams seeking young talent.  
• Gabriel Bortoleto: Bortoleto is an Audi junior driver with a multi-year contract starting in 2025. While he is committed to Audi for the foreseeable future, his potential could make him a long-term prospect for Cadillac.  
• Other Juniors: The Formula 2 and Formula 3 championships are filled with talented young drivers. They could be ready for Formula 1 in the coming years. Drivers like Pepe Marti, Arvid Lindblad, and Franco Colapinto are just a few names to watch.  

Cadillac’s driver choice might also be influenced by their engine supplier. They might partner with Ferrari, as indicated in some reports. They could consider Ferrari junior drivers who are not already placed in other teams. This could provide Cadillac with access to a pool of young talent nurtured within Ferrari’s driver development program.  

Cadillac’s Vision: Statements and Hints

While no official announcements have been made about Cadillac’s 2026 driver lineup, there have been some hints and statements that provide insight into their thinking:

• American Talent: Both Mario Andretti and Michael Andretti have emphasized the importance of having an American driver in the team. This indicates that Colton Herta is a strong contender for one of the seats. He must secure the necessary Super License points. This supports Cadillac’s goal to promote American talent in Formula 1. They hope to inspire a new generation of American motorsport enthusiasts.  
• Experienced Driver: Cadillac is also seeking an experienced Formula 1 driver to provide stability and leadership within the team. This offers opportunities to drivers like Sergio Perez. Valtteri Bottas, who has expressed interest in the team, is also a potential candidate. An experienced driver could be crucial in guiding the team through its initial years in Formula 1. They could also mentor a younger teammate.  

Speculation and Potential Pairings

Based on the information gathered, here are some potential driver pairings for Cadillac in 2026:

Driver 1	Driver 2	Nationality	Experience	Marketability	Notes
Colton Herta	Sergio Perez	American/Mexican	Mixed	High (US & Mexican markets)	This pairing combines American talent with an experienced race winner. Perez’s experience could greatly benefit Herta’s development in Formula 1. Herta brings a youthful energy. He also has a strong connection to the American market. The combination of American and Mexican nationalities could also broaden the team’s appeal in North America.
Colton Herta	Valtteri Bottas	American/Finnish	Mixed	Moderate (US & European markets)	Bottas, with his extensive experience at Mercedes, could provide valuable technical insight and guidance to the team. This pairing would offer a blend of youth and experience, with Bottas potentially taking on a mentoring role for Herta.
Colton Herta	Nico Hulkenberg	American/German	Mixed	Moderate (US & European markets)	Hulkenberg offers a balance of experience and consistency, potentially providing a stable platform for Herta to shine. This pairing would be less focused on nationality and more on a combination of raw talent and seasoned expertise.
Alex Palou	Sergio Perez	Spanish/Mexican	High	High (Spanish-speaking markets)	If Herta doesn’t secure enough Super License points, Palou, another strong IndyCar driver, could be a contender. This pairing would provide extensive open-wheel racing experience to the team. It could attract Spanish-speaking markets in particular.

These are just a few possibilities. The actual driver lineup could depend on various factors. These factors include driver performance, team strategy, and market considerations. Cadillac might also prioritize drivers who align with their brand image and values.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in American Motorsports

Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 is a significant development for the sport and for American motorsports. Their driver selection will be a crucial factor in their success. It will shape their identity. It will influence their performance on the track. The team wants an American driver. They also desire an experienced F1 veteran. However, the final decision will likely depend on a complex interplay of factors.

Cadillac’s commitment to American talent is evident in their statements and hints. This suggests a strong possibility of Colton Herta securing a seat. He must obtain the required Super License points. However, the team also understands the importance of experience. They might look at seasoned drivers like Sergio Perez or Valtteri Bottas.

The choice of engine supplier could further influence their driver selection. It may open doors to partnerships with driver development programs like Ferrari’s. The driver market is dynamic. This means that unexpected opportunities might arise. These opportunities can lead to surprising pairings and last-minute changes.

Cadillac’s driver lineup will show their ambition to be competitive in Formula 1. They also aim to promote American motorsport on a global stage. The 2026 season promises to be exciting for Cadillac. It will also thrill Formula 1 fans worldwide. We will witness the dawn of a new chapter in American motorsports.

My personal belief is that the lineup will most likely be Colton Herta paired with Valtteri Bottas. The young driver will be paired with an experienced Bottas. Bottas will bring years of experience as a driver for a team that consistently won the Constructors Championship. He will also play a mentorship role for the F1 rookie driver Herta.