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Newsweek
19 hours ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Insider Puts Cadillac F1 Team Under The Spotlight Amid Driver Uncertainty
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 Formula One champion Jacques Villeneuve has opened up on the uncertainty surrounding the Cadillac F1 team's driver lineup and its approach to racing in 2026. Cadillac F1's initial bid, which was led by Andretti Global, was rejected on financial grounds. However, with an increased participation of General Motors and a new management owned and operated by TWG Global, the bid was approved for Cadillac F1 to become the sport's eleventh team in 2026. However, with just ten rounds remaining for the conclusion of the 2025 season, the American outfit has yet to announce its driver lineup. Cadillac F1 reportedly prefers experienced drivers and is said to have shortlisted Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas. But with an announcement yet to be made, the picture seems uncertain. Cadillac F1 has partnered with Ferrari to procure its power units from 2026 until it fields its own power units in 2029. However, Villeneuve has raised questions, especially with Michael Andretti having moved out of the way, since the team is yet to establish itself. This is unlike Audi, which concluded its takeover of the Sauber F1 team, and the results are already showing in Sauber's performance. Speaking to RacingNews365, he said: 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. Giorgio VIERA / AFP/Getty Images "Who knows what's going on there. It's not the same team as a year ago. The whole project has changed, and the way it came in, forcefully, is not the best way either, but at least now they're in, fine. "The question is, what will they do? What drivers will they choose? Who do they put in place?" Highlighting the improvements in Sauber's pace this season, Villeneuve added: "When you look at what Sauber has done, with Audi coming in, [with] Jonathan Wheatley, you already see the results now, even though it's the same car. Just the way the energy, the working... So you can expect great things there. "We don't know with Cadillac yet. They say they want experienced drivers, right? But you want good, experienced other thing, we have no idea which engine will be good, that's a big... Well, okay, we'll find out." The 1997 F1 champion emphasized that Cadillac F1 will have to sign a big paycheck if it wants to hire a good racing driver. He said: "Depends on how much money they put on the table. Because you want to get one of those drivers [a pure racer], you're a new team, you need to put [down] a big cheque. "But with the value of F1 now, the big cheque is nothing. It's peanuts compared to what it used to be."
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Insider Names Picks for Cadillac's American F1 Driver
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. 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 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 byCadillac 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 Ki rkwood 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 Cra wford 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. For more F1 news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
01-08-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
American Driver Admits Talks With Cadillac F1 Team For 2026 Season
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. American Formula Two driver Jak Crawford has confirmed that he is in talks with the Cadillac F1 team, which is currently preparing for its F1 debut in 2026 as the sport's eleventh team. At least seven drivers have been in touch with Cadillac for a potential signing for next year, as the team explores experienced and rookie talent for its initial years in the premier class of motorsport. Racing for DAMS, Crawford is currently placed third in the championship standings, and only nine points separate him and championship leader Leonardo Fornaroli. Crawford was part of Red Bull's junior program before he shifted to Aston Martin. While a move to Aston Martin's F1 team could also be something he could aim for next year, the non-availability of a full-time seat could be a factor for his interest in Cadillac. 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. Giorgio VIERA / AFP/Getty Images The 20-year-old driver needs just 13 superlicense points to gain an F1 entry, and to secure them, he needs to finish P5 or above in the F2 Drivers' Standings. Speaking to Crawford said his F1 entry is solely based on his F2 performance this year. He said: "It depends a lot on what I do in Formula 2 this year. If I can win the championship, it would be great for my career. It could lead to many opportunities, whether [that's] with a seat on the grid or potentially again reserve driver next year in Formula 1. "We're trying to find any space on the grid, whether it's with Cadillac or Aston Martin or some other teams." Opening up about the progress of talks with Cadillac, Crawford said: "There have been talks, I've been talking, but it's very slow at the moment. From my side, I just need to do a good job in Formula 2." The F2 driver knows that he is competing with some big names who were talking to Cadillac. Former F1 drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas have been strongly linked to the American outfit, and according to a report by Newsweek Sports, the two drivers have been finalized by Cadillac, with only the paperwork pending for an official confirmation. But Crawford is aware of what he needs to do to impress Cadillac. He said: "There's nothing I can do to compete. Actually, the only thing I can do is do well in F2. Other than that, I can't really do anything else." Even if Cadillac does announce Bottas and Perez as its 2026 drivers, Crawford's impressive track record and a high chance of gaining 13 points on his superlicense could lead to his selection as an F1 reserve driver.
Newsweek
26-07-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Cadillac F1 Team Finalizes Driver Lineup for 2026 Season
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. Formula One presenter Lawrence Barretto has revealed that the Cadillac F1 team has finalized its driver lineup for the 2026 season with Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, and only the formalities remain pending before an announcement is made. Cadillac received its approval to join the F1 grid in March as the sport's eleventh team. The outfit has been gearing up to develop the organization from scratch and build a capable car. The American team has also been in talks with several drivers in recent months, and its preference has been to have an experienced F1 driver who could assist it in its initial years in the premier class of motorsport. Barretto, reporting from Spa-Francorchamps, mentioned Perez and Bottas as the names Cadillac wants to sign for its F1 debut, while speaking about the Alpine F1 team, with which Bottas was recently linked. He said: 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. Giorgio VIERA / AFP/Getty Images "Bottas has obviously been linked with Alpine. But actually, I think the most likely landing spot for him is Cadillac, and we haven't talked about them yet. "But I hear that they haven't got any contracts done — not even any head of terms — but Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas are the two drivers that they want at that team, and it's just a case of them going through the motions of it. "So it might be some time until we find that out, and obviously, there is still some time that that could change. But that's where we're looking, I think." Perez and Bottas had been racing in F1 for a long time and possess the required experience to elevate a team like Cadillac. Perez is currently out of the sport after Red Bull parted ways with him last year. Bottas is currently a reserve driver at Mercedes, where he is also mentoring rookie driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli. While Bottas has revealed his interest in Cadillac in the past, Perez has also spoken on being part of a new project that he strongly resonated with. Newsweek Sports reported the Mexican driver's comments from last month. He said: "The answer is yes, I do want to return, but only if the right project comes along, one where I feel I truly belong or should be. "I don't want to come back at any cost. I'm not interested in traveling around the world as a third driver or just waiting around for an opportunity. "I feel fortunate for the career I've had, and I do want to come back - because I don't want my career to end like this. "But I'm also fully aware that I'll only return if it's truly worth the price you have to pay to be in Formula 1 - 24 races, and an entire life dedicated to the sport." When asked if he would be a value addition for a team like Cadillac, Perez said: "Yes, I believe it 100 per cent. If you look at my years with Force India, and then later with Red Bull - pushing the team forward race by race, and eventually becoming a winning team - that's exactly the kind of environment I'm looking for. "A team with that mentality, that unity. For me, that's more important than any trophy or achievement: finding a project where the driver feels truly motivated."
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Mekies brings vast experience as he takes over F1 team Red Bull after Horner's sacking
FILE - Ferrari's sporting director Laurent Mekies attends a press conference ahead of the French Formula One Grand Prix at the Paul Ricard racetrack in Le Castellet, southern France, Friday, June 18, 2021. (Nicolas Tucat/Pool via AP, File) FILE -RB team principal Laurent Mekies is interviewed on the grid before the Sprint race at the Miami Formula One Grand Prix, Saturday, May 4, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File) FILE -RB team principal Laurent Mekies is interviewed on the grid before the Sprint race at the Miami Formula One Grand Prix, Saturday, May 4, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File) FILE - Ferrari's sporting director Laurent Mekies attends a press conference ahead of the French Formula One Grand Prix at the Paul Ricard racetrack in Le Castellet, southern France, Friday, June 18, 2021. (Nicolas Tucat/Pool via AP, File) FILE -RB team principal Laurent Mekies is interviewed on the grid before the Sprint race at the Miami Formula One Grand Prix, Saturday, May 4, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File) MILTON KEYNES, England (AP) — Red Bull's Formula 1 team is changing team directors for the first time since it was founded 20 years ago, after Christian Horner's sacking sent shockwaves through the sport on Wednesday. But his replacement Laurent Mekies could be the calm presence the team needs amid what promises to be an intense period of scrutiny. Mekies, who had been head of sister team Racing Bulls, brings vast experience to the role after he was hired to replace Horner as chief executive of Red Bull's F1 team. Advertisement The timing of Horner's firing at least gives him a little bit of time to prepare, as he takes charge of his first race at the Belgian GP on July 27. Here are some things to know about Mekies: What are his credentials? The 48-year-old Frenchman has been in F1 since the early 2000s. He worked as a race engineer with the Minardi team — which featured future Red Bull driver Mark Webber — and was among the Minardi staff who stayed when Red Bull took over and created the Toro Rosso team in 2005. He brings vast experience, and F1 knowledge from both working inside teams and inside the institution of motor sport's governing body, FIA. Advertisement After leaving Toro Rosso in 2014, Mekies had a stint as the FIA's safety director during a crucial time as F1 made the 'halo' protective device mandatory on cars, following the death of French F1 driver Jules Bianchi and British IndyCar driver Justin Wilson in 2015. Ferrari role Mekies returned to a team role in 2018, joining Italian F1 giant Ferrari as its sporting director, working alongside then-team principal Mattia Binotto. He was promoted to race director, and Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc once doused him with Champagne after winning the 2022 Austrian GP. But erratic decision-making and botched pit stops by the team during races undermined Ferrari's bid to challenge at the top. Advertisement Mekies left Ferrari halfway during the 2023 season, following Binotto's departure at the end of 2022. Racing Bulls Mekies became team principal of the Racing Bulls team at the start of 2024. When Yuki Tsunoda was promoted to the Red Bull team after just two rounds this season, Mekies said he was 'incredibly proud' of Tsunoda's progress. This season he also worked with rookie French driver Isack Hadjar, who has impressed in spells, and Liam Lawson after he was demoted from Red Bull to make way for Tsunoda. Mekies will be replaced by Alan Permane at Racing Bulls, formerly the racing director. Advertisement 'The last year and a half has been an absolute privilege to lead the team,' Mekies said. "The spirit of the whole team is incredible, and I strongly believe that this is just the beginning. Alan is the perfect man to take over now and continue our path.' Challenges ahead Looking further ahead, Mekies has much work to do at Red Bull with new technical regulations on cars coming up in 2026. 'The challenge is huge, probably the biggest for the teams,' he said recently. 'I'm sure the teams will need the drivers to help them develop in the right direction (and) help them grasp these regulations.' ___ AP auto racing:
