In a move that could dramatically reshape the Formula 1 grid, the proposed Cadillac and Andretti Global partnership is aggressively targeting a 2026 entry, with its sights set on two of the sport's most experienced drivers.
According to sources close to the ambitious project, Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez have emerged as the primary targets to lead the American manufacturer's assault on the pinnacle of motorsport. This strategic pairing would offer a potent blend of proven race-winning pace and invaluable top-team experience.
Building an American F1 Powerhouse
The alliance between motorsport legend Michael Andretti's racing empire and automotive giant General Motors, under its prestigious Cadillac brand, represents the most serious bid for a new F1 team in decades. Unlike other entries, this would be a full-fledged manufacturer-backed works team, not merely a customer operation.
The 2026 season is the target, coinciding with a major regulatory overhaul that includes new power unit and chassis rules. This seismic shift in the technical landscape presents the perfect opportunity for a new competitor to enter on a more level playing field.
The Driver Strategy: Experience Over Youth
The team's rumoured driver shortlist reveals a clear strategy: prioritise proven talent and vast experience to accelerate development. Valtteri Bottas, the ten-time Grand Prix winner with Mercedes, brings knowledge of building a championship-winning team culture.
Meanwhile, Sergio 'Checo' Perez, a veteran of over 250 Grands Prix and multiple race winner with Red Bull, offers recent experience from the sharp end of the grid and a huge global profile, particularly in the crucial North American market.
This combination would provide the nascent team with immediate credibility, technical feedback of the highest order, and the marketing power needed to attract major sponsors.
The Long Road to the Grid
Despite the compelling driver rumours and the undeniable strength of the Andretti-Cadillac partnership, their entry is not yet guaranteed. Their formal application remains under review by Formula One Management (FOM).
The existing teams, protective of the sport's growing revenue, have expressed resistance to diluting the prize fund with an eleventh entry. The Andretti-Cadillac bid's greatest strength is its commitment to being a true constructor and bringing a major new manufacturer—and its fanbase—into the sport, which aligns with F1's strategic goals for expansion in the United States.
The coming months will be critical as the final decision on the 2026 grid is anticipated.
