Since being replaced at Haas in late 2022, Mick Schumacher has been a regular feature in driver market discussions.
Indeed, the German has been mentioned as a candidate to join Cadillac in 2026. Schumacher is understood to have held talks with the US outfit in previous months, with the objective of becoming one of their full-time drivers.
With that said, the 26-year-old was never a front-runner for next year. As it stands, the likes of Bottas, Perez and Drugovich are seen as the favourites to form Cadillac F1’s line-up.
Still, this does not mean Schumacher is not a part of Cadillac’s plans.
Mick Schumacher to become Cadillac F1 reserve driver alongside WEC duties
Roughly twelve months ago, Mick Schumacher was seen as a candidate to replace Logan Sargeant at Williams.
His status as a Mercedes reserve driver was interpreted as a good platform to negotiate with James Vowles and secure a seat mid-season.
This ultimately did not transpire, though, with Vowles showing little interest in pursuing the 26-year-old.
Even with Toto Wolff offering Schumacher to Williams, the decision was instead taken to promote Franco Colapinto.
This series of events broadly summarises Schumacher’s quest for an F1 comeback in recent years. Whilst always under consideration, he has missed out on securing a full-time seat.
A similar story could repeat itself with Cadillac and their driver saga. According to a report from The Race, the US project is most likely to sign Schumacher as a reserve and development driver.
From Cadillac’s perspective, this is a perfectly logical outcome to pursue.
Having spent a few seasons as Mercedes reserve driver, the 25-year-old is no stranger to simulation work and providing feedback.
Moreover, it would help facilitate Schumacher’s move to join Cadillac’s WEC (World Endurance Championship) team.
Currently driving for Alpine, Schumacher is set to join Cadillac in World Endurance for 2026.
This switch would represent a deep level of commitment and integration to the newest project in Formula 1.
Graeme Lowdon, Cadillac team principal, has often spoken in glowing terms about the former Haas driver.
Therefore, whilst a full-time seat for 2026 appears unlikely, Schumacher could position himself as an important asset for the long-term.
The main contenders
So far, there have been very few developments in F1 during the summer break. With team focused intently on 2026 development, driver signings and announcements appear to be of secondary importance.
The likes of George Russell, Yuki Tsunoda and Franco Colapinto are unlikely to have their futures secured until later in the year.
Of course, unlike other teams, Cadillac have been thinking about their 2026 line-up since the end of 2024.
At face value, this might suggest they are likely to announce their drivers before some of the other teams.
In reality, though, there is no clear timeline on when Cadillac are going to make any announcements.
The only real certainty is that at least one driver – such as Bottas or Perez – is set to join the American team.
Much like in previous months, the question remains if a younger driver, or another veteran, will occupy the second seat.
This decision is likely what will dictate the pace of negotiations over the next few months.
Main photo: via Mercedes media gallery