The former head of the Haas Formula 1 team, Guenther Steiner, has questioned the wisdom of Cadillac F1’s decision to focus on hiring an American driver for its recently accepted 2026 Formula 1 entry. Steiner, a seasoned veteran of the motorsport world, expressed doubts about the benefits of such a decision in a global sport like Formula 1.
Cadillac F1 has made it clear that it plans to pair an experienced driver with an American counterpart as it makes its much-anticipated debut in the world of Formula 1. Rumors have linked Colton Herta, who has strong connections to Andretti Global, the company behind Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1, as a potential candidate for this role.
However, Steiner, who spent many years at the helm of America’s other F1 team, Haas, argues that the nationality of a driver is of little significance in the global arena of Formula 1. Explaining Haas’ decision not to recruit an American driver when it joined the Formula 1 grid in 2016, he cited the lack of suitable candidates with a superlicense at the time, and the potential risks involved with hiring a rookie driver unfamiliar with European open-wheel racing.
The consequences of such a decision could be detrimental for both the team and the driver, according to Steiner. A rookie driver’s career could be prematurely ended if they do not perform well, and the team could suffer if the driver becomes discontented.
Steiner also highlighted the lack of interest in Formula 1 in the US during Haas’ early years, which did not justify taking a risk with a rookie American driver. He did acknowledge that there are now more American drivers with the potential to compete in Formula 1, but cautioned that their success is not guaranteed, and if they fail to succeed, there would be no significant positives to gain.
Drawing on the example of American driver Logan Sargeant, Steiner pointed out that many people, particularly in America, were unaware of his nationality during his time with Williams.
Steiner emphasized that in the global world of Formula 1, a driver’s nationality is less important than the ability to deliver the sponsors’ message to the world. He cited Ferrari’s association with Italy as a rare example of a team being identified with a particular country.
In contrast to Haas’ goal of marketing its CNC machining company globally, Cadillac’s primary aim with its Formula 1 team is to promote its cars internationally. Despite this, the team seems keen to showcase American products, drivers, and brands on the global stage, as evidenced by its appeal for support from the US Congress when its original team entry was rejected.
Steiner concluded by noting the difficulties faced by American drivers in earning the super license points needed to compete in Formula 1, a challenge that will likely continue to be a focal point for Cadillac as it finalizes its driver lineup.
