Cadillac will be joining the Formula 1 grid in 2026 as the 11th team, and there is a lot of speculation over what their driver lineup will look like.
It is the first time since 2016 that there will be more than 20 seats available on the grid, with a much-needed expansion taking place to free up the queue of drivers either waiting to be promoted or experienced drivers on the sidelines.
Cadillac’s first official test will take place in January, so the team will want to ensure they choose their driver lineup quickly so they can benefit from early feedback ahead of pre-season testing.
F1 fans think ex-drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas are the most likely candidates, although former driver Nelson Piquet Jr has warned against the team picking one when speaking on the Pelas Pistas podcast.
Photo by Bryn Lennon – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty ImagesNelson Piquet Jr thinks Cadillac should not go for Valtteri Bottas
The deal for Cadillac to sign Bottas is reportedly close as he is ‘guaranteed’ a seat with them next season, while the Finn has also teased the announcement on social media.
However, Piquet Jr thinks Cadillac’s ties to Ferrari as their engine supplier should give them better options on the driver market.
“I think Alpine makes more sense for Bottas because of the Mercedes connection. They’ll be racing with Mercedes engines [in 2026] and from there he goes to Ferrari,” said Piquet Jr.
“Why wouldn’t you pick someone from the Ferrari family? I don’t know if Bottas would leave the Mercedes family. I don’t think it makes much sense both commercially and for Cadillac itself as a driver.”
Ferrari currently has Zhou Guanyu as a reserve driver, while Academy Driver Dino Beganovic, who has participated in FP1 sessions for them, is also currently competing in Formula 2.
READ MORE: All to know about General Motors’ Cadillac F1 team from engine to drivers
Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez offer experience for Cadillac
The two most experienced drivers currently out of contract are both Perez and Bottas, with the Finn having taken part in various tests with Mercedes this year.
Cadillac are no longer looking for an American driver, but the 35-year-old Perez will bring some much-needed experience should they decide to go with a rookie.
Grand Prix starts246Pole positions20Podiums67Wins10Fastest laps19Points1797Best finish2nd (2019, 2020)Valtteri Bottas’ Formula 1 career
Bottas lacks financial backing, which the likes of Perez and Zhou Guanyu can provide, which a company like Cadillac could exploit in crucial markets.
Cadillac are reportedly lining up Felipe Drugovich instead of Bottas, having been impressed with the Aston Martin reserve driver.