Cadillac F1 Driver Rumors Heat Up: Sergio Perez and George Russell Linked to 2026 Lineup
The Formula 1 world is abuzz with speculation as Cadillac, set to join the grid as the 11th team in 2026, ramps up its driver search, with Sergio Perez and George Russell emerging as potential candidates. Leaked details reveal Cadillac’s strategy to blend experience with youth, and the latest developments point to a fierce competition for the two coveted seats. As the team, backed by General Motors and TWG Motorsports, prepares for its debut, the driver market is heating up, with Perez currently leading the race while Russell’s potential availability adds a dramatic twist.
Sergio Perez, the 35-year-old Mexican driver, has been a focal point of Cadillac’s interest, according to Mario Andretti, the 1978 F1 World Champion and a key figure in the Cadillac project. Andretti confirmed, “Perez is an option, it could be an option, of course.” Perez’s appeal goes beyond his racing credentials—six wins and 39 podiums, plus a pivotal role in Red Bull’s 2022 and 2023 Constructors’ titles. His massive popularity in the U.S. and Mexico, coupled with significant sponsorship backing from Escuderia Telmex, makes him a commercial powerhouse. Jimmy Morales of Telmex revealed on a podcast, “We’ve talked to everyone… the important thing is that [Perez] is interested. It’s about peace of mind, the ability to focus on work.” After a challenging 2024 season that saw him part ways with Red Bull, Perez’s struggles were attributed to the car’s issues, a theory bolstered by Liam Lawson’s recent difficulties in the same Red Bull seat. A move to Cadillac could offer Perez a fresh start as the team’s lead driver, potentially paired with a younger talent like IndyCar star Colton Herta.
Herta, a 24-year-old American, is a strong contender for the second seat, aligning with Cadillac’s goal of featuring a U.S. driver. However, Herta’s commitment to IndyCar complicates matters. He recently stated, “If I were to leave IndyCar, I’d be leaving a great group of people… it’s not an easy decision.” His superlicence points remain a hurdle, though a strong 2025 IndyCar season could secure his eligibility. If Herta hesitates, Cadillac has other options, including Zhou Guanyu, who brings Ferrari engine experience as their reserve driver and sponsorship support. Zhou’s point-scoring debut in 2022 adds to his appeal, despite a lackluster 2024 with Sauber.
The wildcard in this saga is George Russell, whose future at Mercedes is uncertain amid rumors of Max Verstappen potentially joining the team in 2026. With Verstappen’s reported dissatisfaction at Red Bull—stemming from internal tensions and a desire for a new challenge—Mercedes could be his next destination. If Verstappen replaces Russell, who is in the final year of his Mercedes contract, the Brit could find himself on the market. Cadillac would likely jump at the chance to sign Russell, a two-time F1 race winner known for his speed and consistency. However, this scenario remains speculative, as Mercedes is expected to prioritize Russell and young star Kimi Antonelli for 2026.
Other experienced drivers like Valtteri Bottas are also in the mix, but Bottas’s demand for a multi-year contract clashes with Cadillac’s plan for a short-term veteran to mentor a younger driver. Bottas’s knowledge of Ferrari engines—Cadillac’s supplier for 2026—gives him an edge, but Perez’s commercial value and recent F1 experience make him the frontrunner. Zhou, while a viable option, lacks the race-winning pedigree of Perez or Bottas. Cadillac’s strategy mirrors Audi’s approach with Sauber, aiming to establish a foundation with an experienced driver before transitioning to a younger lineup as the team grows.
As Cadillac finalizes its plans, the 2026 season promises a fresh dynamic on the F1 grid. Will Perez reclaim his spot in the sport, and could Russell’s potential exit from Mercedes shake up the driver market? The coming months will reveal Cadillac’s final choices, but for now, the rumor mill is in overdrive.
