Formula 1 is at an exciting crossroads with the imminent entry of Cadillac into the championship in 2026. The legendary American brand, backed by General Motors and under the direction of Mario Andretti, has begun talks with experienced drivers to fill at least one of its seats. Among the names that are being strongly suggested are Sergio “Checo” Pérez and George Russell, sparking a wave of speculation and anticipation in the world of motorsport .
Cadillac and its foray into Formula 1
Cadillac’s entry into the Grand Circus is no surprise. The brand has expressed its intention to compete at the highest level, and to that end, it is seeking to form a driver duo that combines youth and experience. Mario Andretti, F1 world champion and a key figure in this project, has emphasized the importance of having an American driver in the lineup. Colton Herta, a prominent IndyCar driver, emerges as the leading candidate to fill one of the seats, provided he meets the superlicense requirements.
Sergio Pérez: A strategic pause and new opportunities
On the other hand, Sergio “Checo” Pérez, following his departure from Red Bull at the end of 2024, is in a period of reflection about his professional future. At 35 years old, the Mexican driver has decided to take six months to evaluate his options, which could include a return to Formula 1 in 2026, coinciding with the expansion of the grid. Pérez has expressed that he keeps “doors open in many places,” which positions him as an attractive candidate for teams seeking experience and consistency.
George Russell and the Mercedes rumors
Meanwhile, within Mercedes, rumors about a possible Max Verstappen signing have been quelled by team principal Toto Wolff. Wolff reiterated his confidence in George Russell, emphasizing his intention to keep the British driver long-term and prioritizing his renewal. Russell has proven to be a leader within Mercedes following the departure of Lewis Hamilton, achieving outstanding results and establishing himself as a key player in the team’s structure.
Other contenders in Cadillac’s sights
In addition to Herta and Pérez, other names have emerged in the conversation to join Cadillac. Arrow McLaren IndyCar driver and McLaren F1 reserve driver Pato O’Ward has expressed interest in joining the Cadillac project, adding an extra layer of competition for coveted seats. Likewise, Mick Schumacher, currently without an F1 seat and focusing on endurance racing with Alpine, has been mentioned as a potential option, although his lack of experience could count against him.
The road to 2026: decisions and expectations
With the countdown to 2026 underway, Cadillac faces crucial decisions regarding its driver lineup. Combining young talent like Herta with the experience of a veteran driver could be the ideal formula for success. The possibility of Pérez filling that experienced role is real, but it will depend on negotiations and how the driver market evolves in the coming months .
The Formula 1 community is closely watching every move, aware that Cadillac’s entry could redefine the sport’s competitive landscape. Expectations are high, and fans eagerly await official announcements that will outline the future of the grid and the new dynamics that will emerge in the championship.
