Cadillac F1 team: American driver to be chosen solely on merit for 2026 season
In a groundbreaking decision, Cadillac F1 boss Graeme Lowdon announced that the team’s choice for an American driver in the upcoming 2026 season will be solely based on merit. The General Motors-backed team is gearing up for their debut season next year as the 11th F1 team on the grid, with the driver lineup still up in the air.
Lowdon, who will take on the role of team principal, expressed that Cadillac already has a shortlist of potential drivers and a “fairly good idea” of who they want to sign. Among the speculated candidates are Sergio Perez, who is currently on a hiatus after being released from Red Bull, and Valtteri Bottas, serving as a reserve driver for Mercedes post his Sauber departure. Both drivers bring valuable experience to the table, crucial for a new team like Cadillac.
The team’s entry into F1 is not just about competition but also about expanding the sport’s popularity in the United States. While it is widely anticipated that Cadillac will include at least one American driver in their lineup, Lowdon emphasized that nationality will not be a deciding factor. He stated, “We will select on merit… there’s nothing stopping a girl or boy with an American passport driving for an American Formula 1 team.”
With the clock ticking towards the 2026 season, the pressure is on for Cadillac to be fully prepared. The team, in collaboration with US group TWG Global, is facing the challenge of setting up a new manufacturing base in Indiana while simultaneously getting their F1 operations in order. Lowdon acknowledged the time constraints, highlighting the importance of meeting deadlines and being ready for the season opener.
As the excitement builds for Cadillac’s F1 debut, the racing world eagerly awaits the final driver lineup and the team’s performance on the track. The 2026 season is shaping up to be a thrilling chapter in the history of American motorsport.
