Formula 1 is preparing for a new era, and Cadillac’s announcement as an eleventh team for the 2026 season is already causing excitement. The team supported by General Motors, which will compete with Ferrari engines, has not yet confirmed a driver for their debut. But team boss Graeme Lowdon recently indicated that Mick Schumacher, the son of seven -time world champion Michael Schumacher, is a promising candidate for the occupation of one of the two cockpit. This unveiling, which fell to media such as Sky Germany during the Silverstone weekend, has fueled speculation about a possible return of the young German to Formula 1.
Lowdon was positive about Schumacher: “Mick is great. He is a very nice guy, I like him very much,” he said in an interview withLast Word on Sports. “I have now got to know him better. He is still young, but already has Formula 1 experience. Sure, that was a while ago, but he has been up to date.” Schumacher, who last drove for Haas in Formula 1 in 2022, showed in recent tests and as part of his work in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) with Alpine that he is still competitive. Lowdon emphasized: “He has completed tests and shows great interest in our project. We really like that.”
Cadillac’s confirmation as an eleventh team, which took place in early 2025 by the FIA and Formula 1 management, opens up new opportunities for drivers who are looking for a place on the grid. In addition to Schumacher, experienced pilots such as Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez are traded as favorites for the two seats. Both bring extensive experience and commercial value with you what a new team like Cadillac could be decisive. Lowdon indicated that the team is considering a mix of experience and young talent: “There are many good drivers – experienced and aspiring talents from Formula 2. I think we will soon see movement in the driver market.”
Schumacher’s time at Haas from 2021 to 2022 was characterized by challenges. The team fought with an uncomprehensive car, and Schumacher was only able to score two points in the 2022 season. Top-class accidents, such as in Monaco and Saudi Arabia, overshadowed his achievements, and his contract has not been extended. After his time as a test driver at Mercedes and McLaren, the 26-year-old now focuses on the WEC, where he shows with Alpine Constance and Progress, including podium places such as the 6-hour race of Imola 2025. These services keep his dream of a Formula 1 return.
The question remains whether Schumacher is the best choice for Cadillac. As a new team, Cadillac 2026 will not immediately fight for victories, but will have to build a solid basis. Experienced drivers such as Bottas or Pérez could bring stability faster due to their routine and sponsorship support. Schumacher, on the other hand, offers youthful potential and the legendary name Schumacher, which is particularly popular in the USA, where Formula 1 with three races (Miami, Austin, Las Vegas) gains in popularity. Support from celebrities such as Sebastian Vettel, who praises Schumacher’s ripe, and his uncle Ralf Schumacher, who emphasizes that Mick had no fair chance at Haas, strengthens his case.
Cadillac’s strategy, which Mario Andretti supports, aims to combine an American driver like Colton Herta with an experienced pilot. But Herta’s missing super license makes this option complicated. Schumacher, with 43 Formula 1 starts and experience with Ferrari engines through his time at Haas, could beat a bridge. His most recent appearances, for example at the Miami GP 2025, where he visited Cadillac’s revelation event, show his commitment.
While Cadillac prioritizes the development of his car for the new rules in 2026, the driver’s decision is expected in the coming weeks. Schumacher remains a strong candidate, but the competition is great. His name, his determination and his latest achievements could open the door, but Cadillac has to weigh whether they rely on youth or experience. The Formula 1 world looks forward to this decision, which could revive the legacy of one of the largest names of the sport.
