Cadillac's ambitious bid to enter Formula 1 with the legendary Andretti Global team is already causing ripples in the paddock, with the American automotive giant reportedly eyeing two established stars as their potential spearheads for a 2026 debut.
Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas have emerged as the primary targets for the prospective project, which hinges on the FIA and Formula One Management granting a coveted entry onto the grid. The move signals a serious intent to compete at the front from the very beginning.
An All-Star Driver Lineup in the Making
According to insider reports, the Cadillac-Andretti alliance sees the experienced Mexican and Finnish drivers as the ideal pairing to launch their championship challenge. Both Perez, a six-time Grand Prix winner with Red Bull, and Bottas, a ten-time winner with Mercedes, bring a wealth of experience and proven race-winning pedigree.
Their current contracts with Red Bull and Sauber (soon to be Audi) respectively are set to conclude at the end of the 2025 season, perfectly aligning with Cadillac's proposed 2026 entry. This presents a rare opportunity to secure top-tier talent without contractual complications.
Mick Schumacher in the Frame for Future Role
While the immediate focus is on Perez and Bottas, the project also has its sights set on the future. Mick Schumacher is understood to be a strong candidate for a role within the team, potentially as a reserve driver initially.
Schumacher, the 2020 Formula 2 champion and son of seven-time F1 champion Michael Schumacher, currently serves as a reserve driver for Mercedes after losing his race seat at Haas. A role with an American-backed team could provide a crucial pathway back to a full-time drive in the years to come.
The Crucial 2026 Hurdle
The entire project remains contingent on one critical factor: approval from F1's governing bodies. The application process is fiercely competitive, and while the Andretti-Cadillac partnership boasts a powerful brand combination and a clear technical roadmap, there is no guarantee of success.
Should they receive the green light, the arrival of a major manufacturer like General Motors under the Cadillac brand would be a monumental moment for the sport, further cementing F1's growing popularity in the crucial American market and adding a new layer of intrigue to the grid for the 2026 season and beyond.
