Bottas and Perez tipped for Cadillac F1 debut

Cadillac is edging closer to confirming its first Formula 1 driver pairing, with the strongest speculation pointing to Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez for the new team’s 2026 entry.

Colton Herta had been the frontrunner for a seat, but the latest whispers suggest the IndyCar star may instead head to Formula 2 next year as preparation for a later move.

“I’ve heard those rumours, too,” Herta told IndyStar at the Milwaukee Mile. “That’s all it is right now, is rumours.”

Perez, dropped by Red Bull after 2024, is thought to bring heavy financial support, with his father hinting online that a Cadillac deal is close.

Bottas, currently Mercedes’ reserve, has also been linked strongly after reportedly rejecting Alpine's interest.

Asked about the gossip, Cadillac ambassador Mario Andretti told Blick: “Only believe what we communicate.”

Christian Danner, meanwhile, believes Cadillac will prioritise experience. “Honestly, I don’t see Mick Schumacher happening, even though I would be happy about it,” he told Express. “The people in charge at Cadillac want a reliable solution, and those are Bottas and Perez. They’re Grand Prix winners.”

Schumacher instead looks set to move across from Alpine to Cadillac’s endurance programme, with the possibility of acting as F1 reserve.

Another candidate was Felipe Drugovich, Aston Martin’s reserve driver, who continues to draw praise from stablemate Fernando Alonso.

“It would be fantastic to see him in F1. He has incredible talent,” the Spaniard told Marca. “He’s performed at the level the team asked of him, even with limited mileage. It will be interesting to see him with a permanent position.”