Formula 1, a racing series that is no stranger to high-speed duels and daring strategies, has been rocked by an announcement that surpasses all expectations: top drivers are reportedly set to join Cadillac, the new American team that will debut in 2026. As General Motors celebrates its official entry into the championship, leaks and behind-the-scenes statements have revealed explosive details about these unexpected transfers. Between stars seeking redemption and young prodigies ready to conquer the world, this new chapter in F1 promises to shake up the established order.
It all started with a whisper at the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, when Mario Andretti, living legend and ambassador for the Cadillac project, was spotted in heated discussion with several influential figures in the paddock. A few days later, Autosport dropped a bombshell: Esteban Ocon, out of contract with Alpine, and Theo Pourchaire, 2023 Formula 2 champion, would be the first names linked to this fledgling team. “We want hungry drivers, capable of growing with us,” Andretti hinted in an interview with Motorsport.com, piquing the curiosity of fans and analysts.
Esteban Ocon, 28, is at the heart of this intrigue. The Frenchman, known for his tenacity and his memorable victory in Hungary in 2021, is going through a tumultuous period at Alpine. With a single-seater losing competitiveness in 2025 and persistent internal tensions, Ocon seems ready to turn the page. Cadillac would offer him a unique opportunity: to become the leader of a team under construction, a role tailor-made for his experience and ambition. “Esteban has everything it takes to lead a project like ours,” confided an engineer close to the team, according to anonymous sources relayed by L’Équipe. A three-year contract, with a key role in the development of the car, is said to be on the table.
But the real surprise comes from the second name: Theo Pourchaire. At just 21, this French prodigy dazzled the world of motorsport by dominating F2, before finding himself relegated to a reserve role at Sauber in 2024 and 2025. Frustrated by the lack of opportunities in established teams, Pourchaire sees Cadillac as a gateway to F1. “Theo is fast, intelligent and ready to give his all,” his manager told Canal+. With Andretti as a mentor, the young driver could embody the fire and audacity that Cadillac wants to display against the giants of the grid.
Other names are also circulating behind the scenes, adding a layer of mystery to this saga. Kevin Magnussen, pushed out by Haas after the arrival of young talents like Oliver Bearman, could be tempted by a last adventure in F1 with Cadillac. His experience and fighting spirit make him a credible candidate to stabilize the team in its early days. In addition, rumors mention Jack Doohan, the promising Australian who is struggling to find a regular place at Alpine. Cadillac, with its bold approach, could offer these drivers a second chance or an unexpected springboard.
This ambitious project gains even more momentum with the confirmation that Ferrari will supply Cadillac with engines until 2028, a partnership that guarantees a solid technical base. Based in the United States with a European office in Hinwil, Switzerland, the team is banking on a strong identity and a mix of international talent to attract fans. “We are not here just to compete, but to win,” insisted Andretti, hinting at an aggressive strategy from 2026.
As the 2025 season draws to a close, these revelations are electrifying the driver market. Ocon and Pourchaire facing Verstappen, Leclerc or Norris? Magnussen or Doohan challenging the big guns in a competitive Cadillac? The possible scenarios are firing the imagination of fans. One thing is for sure: Cadillac’s arrival will not be a simple addition to the grid, but a revolution that could reshuffle the cards. All eyes are now on 2026 – a new era is dawning, and it will be written at full speed!
