Cadillac's 2026 F1 Debut Draws Interest from Mercedes Reserve Driver

Newsweek

2 days ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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With the Cadillac Formula One team entering the grid in 2026, Mercedes reserve driver Valtteri Bottas has shown considerable interest in one of the two seats. He also confirmed that Cadillac has a few drivers on the list, and believes he is one of the best options for the new American outfit.
Bottas ended his stint with the Sauber F1 team last year after a management restructuring that saw Mattia Binotto take the throne as the team's CEO and CTO. The team's driver lineup was replaced entirely by Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto ahead of Audi's full takeover in 2026.
Zhou Guanyu became a Ferrari reserve driver, while Bottas rejoined the team he once experienced huge success with in the past alongside Lewis Hamilton - Mercedes. Despite a lackluster season with Sauber last year, Bottas confirmed that he isn't done with F1 just yet.
Oscar Piastri of Australia driving the (81) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes leads Lando Norris of Great Britain driving the (4) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21...
Oscar Piastri of Australia driving the (81) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes leads Lando Norris of Great Britain driving the (4) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 George Russell of Great Britain driving the (63) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team W16 Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain driving the (44) Scuderia Ferrari SF-25 Charles Leclerc of Monaco driving the (16) Scuderia Ferrari SF-25 and the rest of the field at the start during the F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on June 01, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. MoreSpeaking on the Beyond the Grid podcast, Bottas revealed Cadillac's main priority at present. He said:
"I don't think they're in a massive rush, they've been very, very busy trying to get a car on the grid for next year."
Bottas then revealed why he is an ideal candidate for Cadillac and opened up on the timeline for deciding about the 2026 season. He added:
"I think they have a few drivers on the list. I would imagine my experience will help because now I've raced in three different teams, with one of the teams having mega success. With Williams as well, we had some great results, so I hope I'm in a good position.
"I know my timeline, when I want to know about next year and what plans I need to make, which I think is more or less August, which is a pretty good target for that, and hopefully, we'll hear something more soon.
"For me, I actually see a very interesting project, something new to F1, an American team with maybe a different view to the sport.
"If I were there as a driver, it would be very interesting because you can start from scratch.
"The team starts from zero. You could actually make a big influence on certain things, which direction to go, and that would be very motivating and rewarding when the success comes.
"I think the rule change is always a good point to jump in because you just never know, if you suddenly get it right, you might actually be doing really well from the get-go."
Newsweek Sports reported comments from Cadillac F1 team principal Graeme Lowdon in April, who confirmed that the team was in talks with a few drivers but discussions hadn't reached an advanced stage yet. He said:
"We are either planning or have spoken to you know probably seven or eight drivers all together. It would be no surprise that anybody who has got recent Formula 1 experience would be included in that list but I would stress that at the moment, any discussions are very preliminary.
"They are just really trying to get to know what people's interest levels are, what their motivations are. We're certainly not in advanced discussions with any driver."