The 2025 Formula 1 season is drawing to a close, with just 10 races remaining after the Hungarian Grand Prix. Yet, as the final laps approach, the drama surrounding the title fight has taken a backseat to something far more explosive: the arrival of Cadillac F1. The American auto giant’s entry into Formula 1, as the sport’s 11th team, promises not only to shake up the grid but to reshape the entire sport’s landscape.

Behind the scenes, Cadillac has been quietly but relentlessly working on their F1 project, focusing on every detail of their debut. They are not just aiming for fame or podiums—they are in it for the long haul. Their strategy is to build an empire, not a highlight reel. Every aspect of their team, from car design to driver selection, is focused on precision, reliability, and long-term excellence. The only thing left to solidify is their driver lineup, which remains one of the most closely guarded secrets in F1.

The Cadillac Approach: Quality over Hype

Cadillac’s approach to driver selection sets them apart from many teams. They are not looking for rookies or drivers simply seeking fame. Their focus is on finding experienced, smart drivers who are capable of understanding the nuances of Formula 1 machinery. Drivers who can translate the smallest detail from the car into actionable insight—drivers who know how to push hard, but push smart.

This strategic focus has sparked intense speculation about who will fill the coveted seats. While names like Logan Sargent, Colton Herta, Alex Palou, and Pato O’Ward have all been mentioned, Cadillac is not swayed by the allure of nationalistic stories or flash-in-the-pan fame. They are not building a brand for short-term glory—they are building a team for sustained success. And for that, they need proven talent, not untested potential.

A rookie driver, after all, brings an element of risk. A new driver can bring uncertainty about whether the car is slow or whether it’s the driver who is struggling. That kind of uncertainty is deadly for a brand new team. Rookies may not yet have the mileage to diagnose the intricacies of a Formula 1 car, and Cadillac cannot afford question marks. They need experience, clarity, and dependability. The team wants drivers who have seen the chaos of the grid, weathered the storms, and still deliver under pressure.

The timing couldn’t be better for Cadillac. The 2025 season has already seen six new drivers enter the sport, pushing experienced names out of the grid. Drivers like Sergio Perez, Valtteri Bottas, Kevin Magnussen, and Daniel Ricciardo—each of them experienced, each of them capable, and each of them potentially available. The pool of talent available to Cadillac is unprecedented, and they have the perfect opportunity to snap up these proven stars.

The Daniel Ricciardo Saga

One of the most intriguing possibilities for Cadillac was Daniel Ricciardo. The Australian driver, known for his charm and vibrant personality, has long been a fan favorite. However, when Graeme Loen, the head of Cadillac’s F1 project, was asked whether Ricciardo could be the face of the team, he delivered a cold and final response. “Actually, I think he’s publicly said he’s not interested in Formula 1,” Loen said. “If I need to convince someone, then it’s the wrong person. You never need to convince a Formula 1 driver to jump in the car.”

Just like that, the Ricciardo dream ended. Despite his popularity and undeniable talent, Ricciardo was not the right fit for Cadillac’s precise and focused vision. The decision was clear: Cadillac was looking for drivers who were fully committed and driven by the right motivations.

This also served as a reminder that in Formula 1, as in any sport, timing is everything. Ricciardo’s departure from the Cadillac conversation opened the door for others to step into the limelight.

A Game-Changing Strategy: The Push for Experience

While the search for Cadillac’s first driver has remained a closely guarded secret, there have been strong indications that they are turning to established, experienced names—drivers who have faced the rigors of Formula 1 and emerged with both speed and reliability. In particular, two names stand out: Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez.

Valtteri Bottas: A Strategic Acquisition

Bottas, currently at Alfa Romeo, has long been a stalwart of Formula 1, known for his consistency and technical understanding. His name has emerged as a potential candidate for Cadillac’s first driver, with sources suggesting that a deal may already be in the works. At the British Grand Prix, team boss Graeme Loen and group head TWWWG were spotted in high-level meetings, reportedly finalizing the first driver’s contract. It seems that Bottas’s contract might be nearly signed, with all terms reportedly agreed upon during the weekend in Spa.

But the speculation surrounding Bottas goes beyond his potential as a driver. The Finnish driver, who has consistently demonstrated reliability and technical feedback throughout his career, could bring invaluable influence over Cadillac’s 2026 car development. His feedback could shape the very DNA of the car that will make its debut in the official preseason tests, and eventually in the opening race in Australia.

This connection between Bottas and Cadillac seems almost written in the stars. Weeks ago, Bottas posted a cryptic video on social media, casually settling into the driver’s seat of a Cadillac SUV. His words were few, but the message was clear. In the video, Bottas said, “What a nice seat,” followed by, “I see there are two seats. Both seem free.” It was a sly hint that he was ready to join the project.

Sergio Perez: A Perfect Fit

However, the name that stands out even more is that of Sergio Perez. The Mexican driver has spent years competing at the highest level, but his struggles at Red Bull have only made him a more attractive prospect for teams like Cadillac. In hindsight, Perez’s critiques of Red Bull’s car development and the team’s focus on Max Verstappen have proven accurate. With Red Bull no longer dominating the sport as they once did, Perez’s reputation has skyrocketed.

For Cadillac, Perez represents everything they need: speed, maturity, and a deep understanding of Formula 1 machinery. But there is more to this than just talent on the track. Perez has an undeniable presence in North America, particularly in the United States, where he enjoys massive fan support. The Mexican flags that fill the grandstands at American races are a testament to his popularity across the continent.

Financially, Perez also brings immense value. His long-standing backer, Carlos Slim—one of the wealthiest men in the world—could flood Cadillac with sponsorship money, providing the team with the resources to build their empire. A partnership with Perez would not only bolster Cadillac’s chances on the track, but it would also establish the brand’s identity in North America for years to come.

The Future of Cadillac F1: A New Era

As Cadillac’s debut in Formula 1 approaches, the team’s focus on experience, reliability, and long-term success becomes more apparent. With names like Bottas and Perez likely to join the team, Cadillac is positioning itself to be a force to be reckoned with in the coming seasons. These drivers will bring both the technical expertise and the leadership that the team needs to hit the ground running in 2026.

Formula 1 is at the cusp of a major change. The upcoming 2026 regulations promise to shift the competitive order, and one breakthrough in car development could change everything. If Cadillac gets it right, they could join the ranks of teams like Brawn and Mercedes, who turned a single moment of brilliance into total dominance. With the right combination of experience, talent, and strategy, Cadillac F1 is poised to make a lasting impact on the sport.

Whether it’s Bottas, Perez, or someone else, the future of Cadillac F1 is a tantalizing prospect. The team is no longer just a dream—they are a well-oiled machine in the making, with the potential to redefine what it means to succeed in Formula 1. Fans, both old and new, will be watching closely to see how this ambitious new team shapes the future of the sport.