Cadillac F1 Entry Confirmed for 2026 with Driver Speculation Heating Up

American manufacturer poised to join expanded Formula 1 grid, eyeing top talent

The Formula 1 landscape is set for a significant shift in 2026 with the official confirmation of an eleventh team, Cadillac, entering the sport. This development follows a rigorous tender process managed by the FIA and F1.

Andretti’s Bid Transformed

Cadillac has effectively absorbed the entry originally pursued by Andretti Global. The latter’s initial application was reportedly sidelined due to concerns from F1’s commercial rights holders regarding the team’s potential to add value and its projected competitiveness.

Cadillac’s acceptance into the Formula 1 fray marks a major coup for the American automotive giant. The team will initially operate as a customer outfit, with plans to develop its own power unit in partnership with parent company General Motors beginning in 2028.

NASCAR Star Touted for F1 Seat

With the new team’s formation underway, speculation is mounting about its driver lineup. James Hinchcliffe, a former IndyCar driver, has weighed in on potential candidates in a column for F1.com, highlighting a rising American talent from NASCAR.

Hinchcliffe has specifically suggested Connor Zilisch, a young driver currently making waves in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Zilisch, just 19 years old, has already secured three victories in 2025, including his first oval win, demonstrating remarkable adaptability.

“Competing full time in the [NASCAR] Xfinity Championship in 2025, he already has three wins in the season, including his first oval victory. Given his road racing background, it is incredibly impressive that he is now competitive on the types of track that a lot of the drivers he’s racing against trained on exclusively on their rise to this level,”

—James Hinchcliffe

Hinchcliffe further elaborated on Zilisch’s potential: “And that’s really my point on Zilisch – he seems to be one of the most adaptable drivers that I’ve ever seen. Watching what he’s done so far gives me the feeling that if he was given a proper programme in an open wheel car, and a season or two of F2 to cut his teeth, he could be F1-worthy in short order.”

Veteran Driver Linked to Cadillac

Another prominent name circulating for a potential Cadillac drive is Valtteri Bottas. The Finnish driver, with extensive Formula 1 experience, has recently hinted at a future collaboration with Cadillac on social media, suggesting a possible return to the F1 grid.

Furthermore, reports indicate that Sergio Perez, who is set to depart Red Bull at the end of the 2024 season, is also being considered by Cadillac for a comeback seat. Perez’s contract buyout was reportedly valued at £11 million.

The influx of new teams and the reshuffling of driver lineups highlight the dynamic nature of Formula 1. For context, in 2024, Haas F1 announced its partnership with Bearwdriver for its 2026 entry, a move that also signaled a significant shift in team ownership and strategy (PlanetF1, May 2024).