Cadillac F1 top brass to visit British GP for key driver talks

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With Cadillac F1’s highly anticipated F1 debut on the horizon, the US outfit’s senior leadership is reportedly set to descend on Silverstone next week for the British Grand Prix for a series of important meetings that will include engaging in driver negotiations.

As Cadillac F1 accelerates its efforts to secure its first-ever line-up, team principal Graeme Lowdon (pictured here above) and TWG Group CEO Dan Towriss, who has played a central role in pushing the project forward, will be present at Silverstone to hold direct talks with the management of those currently on their shortlist.

According to a report from Motorsport.com, the team’s goal is to sign one driver within weeks, while discussions for the second seat could extend into September.

Bottas Emerges as Leading Contender

While earlier speculation had Sergio Perez in pole position for one of the seats, his lack of presence in recent talks has seen him slide down the priority list. Instead, current Mercedes reserve driver Valtteri Bottas has rapidly gained momentum and is now believed to be Cadillac’s leading candidate.

The 35-year-old Finn, a ten-time winner in F1, has made no secret of his desire to return to the grid full-time after his departure from Sauber at the end of 2024.

His recent behavior on social media has only fueled speculation – including a tongue-in-cheek video where he encounters on the street a Cadillac SUV, places his hand on the driver’s seat, and cheekily says, “What a nice seat. I see there are two seats – both seem free.”

Driver manager Didier Coton with Mercedes reserve Valtteri Bottas.

If Cadillac opts for an all-experienced line-up, both Bottas and Perez could be in the mix as teammates.

However, if the team chooses to pair a veteran with a young talent – a strategy increasingly common for new entrants – the decision could come down to a direct shootout between the Finn and the Mexican, with Bottas currently seen as having the edge.

Drugovich Still Waiting in the Wings

Should Cadillac pursue a balance of youth and experience, the name topping their list for a rookie prospect is reportedly Felipe Drugovich. The Brazilian, a former F2 champion and current reserve driver at Aston Martin, has long been seen as a talent-in-waiting – albeit one seemingly blocked by politics and priorities within his current team.

Aston Martin reserve Felipe Drugovich with Fernando Alonso.

With seemingly no path forward at Aston Martin, Drugovich would likely be more than happy to sign up with Cadillac and finally embrace a chance to showcase his indisputable talent among motorsport’s elite.

And with the American team aiming to secure a well-rounded lineup to spearhead its debut campaign, the experienced-youth combination of Bottas and Drugovich is increasingly being seen as a logical pairing, at least from the outside.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.