Daniel Ricciardo, Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez are among the drivers linked with Cadillac who are set to become Formula One’s 11th team in 2026.
The opening race of the 2025 season in Australia is just a week away but eyes are already on next year after Cadillac’s bid to join the grid was finally approved by F1 and the FIA after years of negotiations.
The American entry – backed by General Motors and TWG Motorsports – had previously been rejected when it was lead by former F1 driver Michael Andretti.
‘For the past year, we have worked hand in hand with GM, to lay a robust foundation for an extraordinary Formula 1 entry,’ TWG chief executive Dan Towriss said on Friday.
‘Now, with 2026 in our sights after today’s final approval from the FIA and Formula One Management, we’re accelerating our efforts—expanding our facilities, refining cutting-edge technologies, and continuing to assemble top-tier talent.’
Cadillac’s debut will of course mean an extra two spots on the grid and Towriss has already suggested that the team would like to sign an American driver and an experienced racer.
Colton Herta, runner-up in last year’s Indycar championship, is the US star most tipped to join Cadillac having come close to signing for AlphaTauri, now Racing Bulls, in 2022.
As for a veteran driver, one name that has inevitably popped up is Ricciardo, who was axed for the second time in his F1 career in 2024 after failing to impress in Red Bull’s junior team.
The Australian is an incredibly popular figure in the sport, especially in the USA thanks to the Netflix series Drive to Survive, and as an eight-time grand prix winner whose raced alongside Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, he can provide plenty of experience.
However, the 35-year-old has already ruled out a move to Cadillac or indeed any F1 team, simply saying: ‘Nah, I’m done,’ when asked about the very matter in December.
Bottas, who won 10 grand prix alongside Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, would seem to fit the bill and is available after being dropped by Sauber.
Sky Sports report that the Finn has not held talks with Cadillac and have also touted Perez for a comeback after he was sacked by Red Bull over the winter break after his poor performances cost the team in the constructors’ championship.
The Mexican, a six-time race winner, would certainly appeal if they want to tap further into the North American market.
Other drivers in the running include ex-Sauber star Zhou Guanyu, Racing Bulls’ Yuki Tsunoda and IndyCar heroes Pato O’Ward and Alex Palou.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MORE: F1 Drive to Survive season 7: Netflix release date, trailer and what to expect
Share your story or advertise with us: Whatsapp: +2347068606071 Email: info@newspotng.com
