The American dream of driving in Formula 1 may soon be realized as Cadillac F1, the latest entrant into the sport, has expressed its intent to feature an American driver in their 2026 line-up. Among potential candidates, attention has been drawn to Jak Crawford, the promising young star in Aston Martin’s Formula 2 team.
Crawford’s ambitions align perfectly with Cadillac’s vision. He, too, is eyeing the apex of motor racing, Formula 1, as his ultimate aspiration. Although his current focus remains on a successful Formula 2 season backed by Aston Martin, the prospect of breaking into Formula 1 in the near future remains a tantalizing possibility.
Cadillac F1’s entry into the sport, initially met with skepticism, was eventually accepted by Formula One Management. The team is set to debut in 2026, in line with the introduction of new chassis and engine regulations. They plan to kickstart their F1 journey with a Ferrari power unit, before introducing their own engine, courtesy of General Motors, in 2028.
Dan Towriss, Cadillac F1’s chief, highlighted the team’s strategic approach to selecting their debut driver. In an interview with Sky Sports News, Towriss emphasized the importance of properly setting up a driver for success rather than merely filling the cockpit with an American for the sake of it. He also noted that several American drivers with experience in lower Formula series could fit the bill.
IndyCar standout Colton Herta is perceived as a strong contender for the Cadillac F1 seat. Despite two unsuccessful attempts to break into F1, Herta remains a likely choice. Yet, with Towriss hinting at a potential preference for drivers from the F1 junior ladder, Crawford might just have the opportunity he’s been dreaming of.
In 2025, the 19-year-old Crawford is set to begin his second Formula 2 season with DAMS, aiming to improve on an impressive 2024 season that saw him take home a race victory and six podium finishes. When queried about a potential F1 drive with Cadillac by PlanetF1.com, Crawford remained focused on his current commitments with Aston Martin, but didn’t rule out the possibility.
Cadillac F1’s recent partnership with TWG Global, leading to the creation of a new motorsport-dedicated division, has reinvigorated their campaign. One notable inclusion under this new banner is Andretti Global, a team with which Crawford has already established a connection as the reserve driver for their Formula E team.
Crawford’s recent debut with Andretti Global in a Formula E rookie practice session in Jeddah has given him invaluable experience and exposure. He shared with the media, including PlanetF1.com, how his involvement with Andretti and their simulator training has been instrumental in honing his skills and preparing for his F2 season. While he doesn’t feel it has directly improved his F2 driving skills, he believes it has helped him stay sharp and enhance his understanding of the technical aspects of racing.
In this exciting time of change and growth in Formula 1, Cadillac’s entry and their quest for an American driver add a new dimension to the sport. As the 2026 season draws nearer, all eyes will be on the unfolding narrative of who will secure the coveted seat in Cadillac’s F1 debut.