Formula 1 insider James Hinchcliffe threw out some American drivers who Cadillac F1 should consider for their lineup.
Hinchcliffe is a commentator for F1 TV and IndyCar, making him connected in both the American motorsport world and F1.
He drove for 11 years in IndyCar, winning six races and capturing 18 podiums in his career.
In an article on F1.com, Hinchcliffe selected some potential United States talents who could break through on the grid and deliver where Sargeant failed to.
People attend an event to unveil the colors for the 2026 Cadillac debut in Formula One racing, ahead of the 2025 Miami Formula One Grand Prix, in Miami Beach, Florida, on May 3, 2025.
People attend an event to unveil the colors for the 2026 Cadillac debut in Formula One racing, ahead of the 2025 Miami Formula One Grand Prix, in Miami Beach, Florida, on May 3, 2025.
Photo by GIORGIO VIERA/Getty Images
Cadillac is the first new F1 team since Haas debuted years ago.
Their arrival opens up two new seats on the grid for drivers to get additional opportunities, and considering the team’s North American roots, some believe an American driver could be given a chance.
The last American driver was Logan Sargeant, who raced for Williams over a season and a half before getting replaced mid-season by Franco Colapinto.
Overall, Sargeant underperformed compared to his junior racing career track record, but with other talents racing all around the world, many believe other Americans can establish themselves on the grid.
Kyle Kirkwood
Racing for Andretti in IndyCar, Kirkwood already has the needed connections to land a seat with Cadillac.
Andretti Global is part of the Cadillac F1 venture, with both racing institutions joining forces in an all-American bid.
At the age of 26, Kirkwood is driving at an elite level, winning three races and sitting fifth in the standings.
He has surpassed teammate Colton Herta as the lead driver at the team, and his results could lead to a chance in F1.
Jak Crawford
Already in the formula racing ladder, Crawford is around the F1 paddock more than anyone else on this list.
He has three seasons at the F2 level. In his third season, he is currently in fourth place with three wins so far.
There are reports already connecting the American to the Cadillac team.
“And let’s call a spade a spade, he was just 18-years-old in his first campaign, and F2 is an ultra competitive series. Now at 20, with a bit more racing maturity and some experience behind him, it’s starting to come to him,” the former IndyCar driver wrote.
“If he can continue the winning ways and find himself in the top three at season’s end, that would put him in a great position to be considered for the ultimate promotion.”
Connor Zilisch
Competing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Zilisch is one of the most promising talents in America.
He is on the verge of securing a full-time Cup Series race seat, though he has previously competed in Formula 4 and stated his interest in potentially joining F2 to prove himself before getting a shot at the top.
At the age of 19, the American has plenty of time to hone his driving skills and develop in the early stages of his career.
Alex Palou and Scott McLaughlin
Hinchcliffe also added IndyCar drivers Scott McLaughlin and Alex Palou to the list. However, neither was born in America – McLaughlin is from New Zealand and became an American citizen through the naturalization process.
Both McLaughlin and Palou are great drivers who could drive in F1, though some might not call them American drivers since they were not born in the United States.
Out of the two, Palou stands out as an exciting talent who is a three-time IndyCar champion. After conquering the American race series, he could potentially head over to F1 and make some noise.
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