Latest news with #CadillacF1
Newsweek
23-07-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Red Bull's 2025 Form Shocks Former Director After Sauber Comparison
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Former Red Bull Racing sporting director Jonathan Wheatley has expressed surprise at the statistical findings comparing Red Bull and Sauber Formula One teams. Wheatley announced his Red Bull exit mid-2024 and joined Sauber this year as team principal, but little did he expect that things would turn around so quickly. Sauber has been undergoing several changes at many levels before Audi completes the full takeover of the outfit in 2026. The year is also a historical period for F1, given the new chassis and engine regulations that kick in for the first time in over a decade. The year will also mark the entry of automotive giant General Motors. GM's Cadillac F1 is gearing up to enter the grid next year as the eleventh team. But Audi has been revamping Sauber's operations since last year as Sauber continued to race in the premier class. The German marque appointed former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto as the chief operating officer and chief technical officer. Wheatley's Sauber joining this year completes the team's dual management structure. Given that managerial changes impact track performance, Sauber's chosen direction has yielded positive results thus far. Jonathan Wheatley, Team Principal of Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber in the Team Principals Press Conference during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on June 27, 2025 in... Jonathan Wheatley, Team Principal of Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber in the Team Principals Press Conference during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on June 27, 2025 in Spielberg, Austria. MoreThe Hinwil-based outfit finished last in the 2024 Constructors' Championship after having scored a mere four points. With twelve rounds ticked so far in 2025, Sauber is sixth in the championship with 41 points, a stark contrast to last year. Notably, Nico Hulkenberg contributed 31 points to the team's tally. An overhauled leadership and updated driver lineup, combined with timely upgrades on the C45 F1 car, have led to significant improvements. Surprisingly, Hulkenberg's points tally this season so far is higher than what Red Bull's second driver scored in the last eleven months. Max Verstappen has raced alongside three different teammates since the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix, namely Sergio Perez, Liam Lawson, and now Yuki Tsunoda. All three drivers collectively scored 28 points since the race in Zandvoort. When Wheatley was asked about the impressive turnaround in Sauber's performance, he told RacingNews365: "I would never have believed it possible. I know the quality of that operation. I know the talent of the people who are there. "It's interesting that when you leave one team for another, even a team competing for world championships and coming to a team aspiring to compete for world championships, there are things done better there, and things done better here. "That's the fascinating thing with this sport. There is so much talent in it." Wheatley is confident that Sauber is on the right path. He added: "Of course, Mattia and I, our job is to try to channel the team, direct it in the right direction, and get it moving in that direction. My feeling is the ship's turning, and we're starting to point the right way."
Newsweek
23-07-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Red Bull Insider Hints Sergio Perez F1 Return in 2026
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar has suggested that Sergio Perez will return to Formula One in 2026, revealing that there was "something going on." Perez parted ways with Red Bull after the 2024 season and is reported to be in talks with the Cadillac F1 team. Red Bull parted ways with the Mexican driver after losing out on Constructors' Championship victory last year. Perez faced significant challenges with the RB20, given the balance problems on the car, which also affected Max Verstappen. Perez has been away from F1 since his departure, but his links to Cadillac are pretty strong. The 35-year-old driver revealed in a recent interview that he would return to F1 only if a project suited his preferences, and most importantly, he would only return as a full-time driver. Cadillac F1 received the Formula One Management's (FOM) approval to join the sport early this year, and the American outfit has since been gearing up for its 2026 debut on the premier class grid. Team principal Graeme Lowdon has confirmed that ongoing discussions are taking place with Perez. Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing looks on in the paddock during the F1 Grand Prix of Qatar at Lusail International Circuit on December 1, 2024 in Lusail City, Qatar. Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing looks on in the paddock during the F1 Grand Prix of Qatar at Lusail International Circuit on December 1, 2024 in Lusail City, Hadjar, who races for the Red Bull junior F1 team, has admitted that many "positives" lie ahead for Perez in 2026. Speaking to the media, he said: "He's definitely F1 calibre, that's for sure, and I hear a lot of positives for him next year. "So it's looking like there's something going on. He's done pretty well next to Max [Verstappen]." Former Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, who moved to Sauber this year as team principal, has praised Perez while highlighting his support during their time at Red Bull. Wheatley stated that Perez was fully focused on his performance, a trait that mattered most to a team. Newsweek Sports reported: "Firstly, I really enjoyed working with Checo. He's a great personality, great attitude to life, full stop. I have no doubt about his pace and his speed. It's been natural since the beginning. "He put in some tremendous drives at my former team and I don't think it's much of a barrier that he's had a bit of time off between driving a Formula 1 car because when you know how to do that, you know how to do it. "I spent a lot of time with him early on because I wanted to get to know him and I wanted him to adjust to the team. What I really liked was he pushed me in my sporting role – pushed me very, very hard. "He made me question whether I was putting every bit of effort in, not that he was criticising but he would challenge you in a positive way and I enjoyed it. "I think it helped motivate me to become better at my job and I'd like to think maybe it was reciprocal and the work that we did together made him better at his." He added: "He's fully focused on performance and what do you want from a driver?"
Newsweek
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Sergio Perez to Drive For Cadillac in 2026: Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Former Red Bull driver Sergio Perez is reportedly inching closer to landing a seat on the Formula 1 grid. Perez is currently on the sidelines after getting axed from the second Red Bull seat, though he is apparently nearing a deal with the new Cadillac F1 team. According to rumors and reports, he is getting courted by Cadillac and Alpine, though the 11th team set to debut next season leads the race for his signature. Ed Spencer of Auto Evolution and the reputable German outlet Auto Motor und Sport are both reporting that the announcement is pending and the deal is done. 10th placed qualifier Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing talks to the media in the Paddock after qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on... 10th placed qualifier Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing talks to the media in the Paddock after qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on December 07, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. More Photo byHowever, there is still no official word or confirmation on the signing. The American-based team is currently focused on getting the 2026 car developed as a new engine formula enters the sport for the first time in years. They spent millions on staff and facilities to make the team a success, but the team is only now prioritizing driver signings. Team principal Graeme Lowdon spoke about the team's process in picking a driver and their patient approach compared to other teams. "We're out of sync with the other teams, which kind of makes it easier," Lowdon told The Race. "It means we can spend a bit more time understanding the attributes that a particular driver can bring and measuring them against what we need. "Normally, you're in a competitive environment, sometimes you can't take long to make a decision, because someone will go to another team. "When we're not in that position, there's a good list of very, very capable drivers that we can interact with and put a team together with. So we're lucky from that one point of view." Who is in the running for the second Cadillac F1 seat? Assuming Perez does get the team's first seat, the second spot on the team is an open field. Among the names in the running are Mick Schumacher, Valtteri Bottas, Jack Doohan, Franco Colapinto, and Zhou Guanyu. The team is prioritizing an experienced pair of hands who can provide specific feedback on the car's requirements. Bottas' name is recurring in the rumor mill for a seat at Cadillac, though he is also getting intense interest from Alpine. Cadillac's slow approach means it will be a while until the full lineup is confirmed. For more F1 news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Top Gear
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Is Valtteri Bottas about to be announced as a Cadillac F1 driver?
Is Valtteri Bottas about to be announced as a Cadillac F1 driver? Cult hero Finn posts hilariously un-subtle teaser, sending rumour mill into overdrive Skip 1 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Turn on Javascript to see all the available pictures. Well if it turns out there's nothing in this… it's the most brazen and brilliant social media gag we've ever seen. Valtteri Bottas has posted a teaser-slash-sketch heavily linking himself to one of the vacant Cadillac F1 drives for 2026. As the Finn walks along the street, the conversation unfolds a little like this: 'Hey Valtteri, that's a Cadillac,' says an unnamed male pointing at an Escalade, before opening its door and declaring 'That's a nice seat!' Advertisement - Page continues below 'Oh wow, that's actually a nice seat,' says VB. 'I wouldn't mind.' 'And there's two seats,' points out his companion. 'And they're both free?' 'Oh yeah. Want to sit in it? Advertisement - Page continues below Valtteri pauses. 'Not yet.' End of scene. The 35-year-old – now moonlighting as Mercedes' reserve driver – has made no secret of his desire to return to the grid, telling last month he was in active talks to do just that for next season. And specifically addressing Cadillac, he said: 'Cadillac is a new team joining the sport, which is exciting. What would be motivating for me is to get into a project, you know? Commit to X amount of years with clear targets. That's what I need at this point. 'I don't see the point of just doing one season just to be in Formula One. But what I feel like I need is a clear project. And I think it's a good example with a new team, that would be quite refreshing, when you can really start from scratch. Top Gear Newsletter Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox. Success Your Email* 'I do like an Escalade,' he added. 'And the Ecto-1 from Ghostbusters.' And if that doesn't sound like job interview prep… READ MORE Valtteri Bottas is in talks to return to Formula One in 2026 Since then it sounds like Cadillac's interest in Bottas has become more concrete, and there's been no more word on whether Sergio Perez – another race winner currently enjoying an F1 sabbatical – is in the frame for one of Cadillac's seats. All we know is that it definitely can't be both… Who would you hire, folks? Successful applicants must have years of experience and awards; strong social media game preferred but not essential.
Newsweek
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Did Valtteri Bottas Just Sign With Cadillac F1 Team? Driver Drops Big Hint
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Mercedes Formula One reserve driver Valtteri Bottas has dropped a big hint of his potential move to the Cadillac F1 team in its debut year in 2026. Bottas rejoined Mercedes after ending his F1 journey with the Sauber team at the end of last year. The Cadillac F1 team is all set to enter the F1 grid next year and preparations have been ongoing in full swing. Cadillac's arrival syncs with the sport's entry into a new era of regulations, where cars will be powered by an equal ratio of electric power and internal combustion on sustainable fuels. While Bottas failed to secure a full-time seat for 2025, he has been eyeing several opportunities to return to the grid. However, Cadillac has remained tight-lipped about the drivers it has shortlisted for next year. Bottas and former Red Bull driver Sergio Perez were rumored to be in talks with the American outfit and now, Bottas' most recent post on X has raised eyebrows. Valtteri Bottas of Finland and Mercedes walks in the paddock during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari on May 16, 2025 in Imola, Italy. Valtteri Bottas of Finland and Mercedes walks in the paddock during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari on May 16, 2025 in Imola, Finnish driver was recorded approaching a Cadillac SUV, with the cameraman pointing at the seat saying "That's a nice seat!" Impressed, Bottas affirmed as he touched the seat, prompting the cameraman to point out that there are two seats. Bottas then asked if "they're both free." When he was asked if he wanted to sit in there, Bottas replied saying "not yet." Do we like this seat? — Valtteri Bottas (@ValtteriBottas) June 23, 2025 The video could also be a subtle hint from Bottas to his fans that though no deal has been signed yet, talks are underway and a potential signing announcement could be made in the future. Cadillac F1 team principal Graeme Lowdon revealed in April that the new outfit is considering a veteran driver and acknowledged that the team has spoken to "seven or eight drivers." Bottas revealed why Cadillac was an ideal team for a driver like him, considering it was starting everything from scratch. Newsweek Sports reported his comments: "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."
