Cadillac has revealed it is not in a rush to sign drivers to represent the group’s Formula 1 team in 2026 amid reports that Mick Schumacher has emerged as an option.
The General Motors-backed squad is gearing towards debuting as the 11th and newest team in the series next season, when revamped regulations will be introduced.
Cadillac’s admission has ensured that two more spaces will open up on the grid, generating much anticipation as rumours have abounded about who it will nominate.
Sergio Perez, who has been on the sidelines since Red Bull dropped him once the previous campaign ended, is touted to be in discussions with the American marque.
TWG Motorsports Chief Executive Dan Towriss admitted the candidates being bandied around are accurate, but denied that it has decided on the two drivers it wants.
“I think the biggest thing is we’re not in a hurry to select a driver, there’s a lot that goes into selecting your pilot for Formula 1 from that standpoint,” Towriss said.
“So we’re taking our time. The list certainly includes the names that many people are talking about.
“Although I do get a kick out of waking up each day and reading that we’re in the final stages of negotiation.”
The indication that Perez is leading Cadillac choice
Towriss divulged that Cadillac will prioritise acquiring at least one driver with previous F1 experience to ease the uphill learning curve the team is braced to encounter.
“I mean, obviously performance is one thing, but experience is another,” he highlighted.
“This is a new entry. Getting the feedback on the car… you know, from that standpoint, it’s going to be crucially important.
“You’re also not just talking about what’s on track but [what’s] in the sim from that standpoint. So, there’s a lot of aspects to that.
“Thankfully, with Graeme [Lowdon, Team Principal], Eric Warren [Executive Director] from GM Motorsports and a lot of others, we’re assimilating as much information as we can to really do our thorough due diligence and take our time and make the right decision.
“There are a lot of conversations taking place. There’s a lot of interest in this team and we’re very appreciative of that, for sure.”
Schumacher touted as Cadillac F1 candidate
Those comments at the Miami Grand Prix earlier this month coincided with Schumacher attending the Cadillac launch event that was held across the same weekend.
That has prompted German publication BILD to report that Schumacher, who last competed in F1 with Haas between 2021 and 2022, is on Cadillac’s driver “shortlist”.
Schumacher has thrived since moving to the World Endurance Championship – where he competes against Cadillac with Alpine – recording three podiums in 11 races.
Four-time champion Sebastian Vettel, who has helped to mentor Schumacher, expressed hope that Cadillac will give his compatriot a long-awaited second shot in F1.
“He is much more mature,” Vettel explained to Sport.de. “And I think he’s doing a very good job at Alpine in the World Endurance Championship.
“It would be nice if he gets a second chance in the Cadillac.”
“I wish him the best. We are obviously in contact, and I also heard how things ended for him in Formula 1.
“I’m keeping my fingers crossed that he gets another chance, because I believe he can absolutely keep up with the others.”
READ MORE – Sergio Perez on Alpine’s radar amid ongoing Cadillac F1 talks
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