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Cadillac is set to officially enter Formula 1 in 2026, marking a major milestone for the American luxury car brand as it joins the world’s top racing series. With preparations already underway for their debut at the 2026 season opener in Melbourne, one of the biggest decisions the team must make is choosing their driver lineup.
With only two race seats available, all eyes are on who Cadillac will select to represent them on the grid. Will they lean towards seasoned F1 veterans who bring experience and stability? Or will they take a gamble on young, up-and-coming drivers with raw talent and long-term potential? There’s also the possibility of going for a balanced approach, pairing a proven name with a promising rookie to create a dynamic team.
As the team gears up for its first F1 season, the driver selection will not only shape its early performance but also set the tone for Cadillac’s long-term vision in the sport.
Who will drive for Cadillac F1?
One of the top names being discussed is Colton Herta. Since Cadillac is an American manufacturer, selecting an American driver like Herta would be a natural fit. Herta, who is from California, has been involved in F1 conversations for years. He signed a development contract with McLaren in 2022 and has continued to perform well in IndyCar, finishing second in the championship in 2024. A member of Cadillac’s board, legendary driver Mario Andretti, even suggested that Herta is very likely to be chosen for one of the team’s seats, although nothing is confirmed yet.
Valtteri Bottas is another name that keeps coming up. The Finnish driver has a strong F1 record, having won 10 races during his career and served as a key figure at Mercedes. Currently working as their reserve driver, Bottas sparked fresh speculation in June after posting a lighthearted video referencing Cadillac. His experience and professionalism could provide a solid foundation for a new team like Cadillac.
Sergio Pérez, who was let go by Red Bull at the end of 2024, is also in the conversation. With more than a decade of experience in Formula 1 and a large fanbase, especially in Latin America, Pérez might be a valuable choice. Some believe he performed better than he was given credit for, and now that he’s available, Cadillac could consider him a strong contender.
Spanish driver Álex Palou has been dominant in IndyCar, winning championships in 2021, 2023, and 2024. Although he hasn’t been linked to an F1 team recently, his performance and raw talent make him a serious candidate. He previously did some testing for McLaren’s F1 team and clearly has the skill to compete at that level.
Zhou Guanyu, the first-ever Chinese driver in Formula 1, could also be a practical option. He spent three seasons with Alfa Romeo (later Sauber) before being replaced at the end of 2024. Though he never finished higher than eighth in a race, Zhou now works as Ferrari’s reserve driver and brings valuable sponsorship appeal, which could help Cadillac build its brand internationally.
Pato O’Ward, who currently serves as McLaren’s reserve driver, has gained F1 experience through regular practice sessions and is also active in IndyCar. He finished on the podium in 2021 and has expressed clear interest in Cadillac, saying he’d definitely respond if they reached out.
Daniel Ricciardo, the charismatic Australian, hasn’t been active in the F1 paddock since his exit in 2024. Though his racing form declined after leaving Red Bull, he remains one of the sport’s most recognisable and marketable figures. If Cadillac is looking to draw attention and fans, Ricciardo could be a smart choice, provided he’s still competitive on track.
Lastly, Jack Doohan, a young Australian driver, started the 2025 season with Alpine but was dropped after six races. While his F1 debut didn’t go as planned, his name may still be in the mix if Cadillac is open to giving a rising talent another chance.