Cadillac’s F1 2026 Driver Lineup Leaked: Perez and Zhou to Lead American Team’s Debut
Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 as the 11th team in 2026 has sparked excitement, but a leaked update on their driver lineup has shifted expectations and raised eyebrows. Initially set on pairing an experienced driver with an American talent like IndyCar star Colton Herta, the American team appears to have pivoted, with Sergio Perez and Zhou Guanyu emerging as the frontrunners for the seats. While this move promises financial stability and technical expertise, it has left fans questioning whether Cadillac is abandoning its all-American vision and how this lineup will shape their debut in the sport.
Sergio Perez, the Mexican veteran with six Grand Prix wins, is reportedly in advanced talks with Cadillac, a decision that underscores the team’s shift toward experience over national representation. Perez’s struggles at Red Bull in 2024 led to his departure, but recent performances by his successors, like Liam Lawson, have highlighted that the RB20’s tricky dynamics were largely to blame. Cadillac sees Perez as a proven race winner who can bring stability and insight from his time at a top team. Team adviser Mario Andretti has publicly backed Perez, emphasizing the need for an experienced driver to navigate the unknowns of a new team. Beyond his on-track credentials, Perez’s commercial appeal is a major draw. His popularity in Latin America, particularly in Mexico, has been credited with sustaining the Mexican Grand Prix, and his fanbase extends to U.S. circuits like Miami and Austin. Financially, Perez is a goldmine, with sponsors like Telmax—backed by billionaire Carlos Slim—ready to inject up to $30 million annually into Cadillac, a crucial boost for a team set to develop its own engines by 2029 under General Motors.
The surprise in this lineup is Zhou Guanyu, Ferrari’s reserve driver, who edges out Herta for the second seat. Zhou, who raced with Sauber until 2024, brings F1 experience and a deep understanding of Ferrari power units, which Cadillac will use until their GM-built engines are ready. Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has endorsed this pairing, noting that Zhou’s role at Ferrari gives him intimate knowledge of the engines Cadillac will rely on, potentially offering a competitive edge under the new 2026 regulations that emphasize engine and battery performance. Zhou also brings sponsorship from his Chinese backers, adding to the financial incentives. Despite a lackluster Sauber stint where he was often outpaced by teammate Valtteri Bottas, Zhou’s signing by Ferrari as a reserve driver signals trust in his potential, making him a strategic fit for Cadillac’s long-term plans.
Herta’s exclusion, however, has disappointed those hoping for an American driver in an American team. Herta, a standout in IndyCar, has been vocal about his reluctance to jump to F1, citing the cultural shock and the risk of leaving a series he loves. Montoya echoed these concerns, warning that the transition from IndyCar to F1 could overwhelm Herta, potentially jeopardizing his career. While Perez, hailing from Mexico, technically represents North America, the absence of a U.S.-born driver may dampen Cadillac’s appeal to American fans who were eager to see a homegrown talent on the grid.
As Cadillac prepares for its F1 debut, the Perez-Zhou lineup positions them as a financially secure team with a blend of experience and technical synergy. But will this duo make Cadillac a contender, or will the lack of an American driver hinder their connection with U.S. audiences? With Bottas still a potential candidate, the driver market remains fluid, but for now, Cadillac’s strategy is clear: prioritize stability and sponsorship over national symbolism.
