Cadillac’s countdown to its long-awaited Formula 1 debut is gathering pace, but there’s still one seat at the table with a question mark for 2026.
Team principal Graeme Lowdon has confirmed the American outfit has yet to begin its search for a reserve driver as it prepares to hit the grid in 2026.
The General Motors-backed squad already boasts an experienced race line-up, with Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas locked in for the maiden season. Furthermore, IndyCar star Colton Herta has also been signed as test driver.
But while the core is in place, the final piece of the puzzle remains open, and Lowdon’s not rushing to fill it.
“We haven't started looking, we've made no offers to anybody, for any reserve position with the team," Lowdon told F1.com. "But that is now the position that we'll turn our attention to and it helps complete the line-up."
Merit Over Passport
Lowdon has been keen to emphasize that Cadillac’s recruitment strategy won’t be dictated by nationality, despite speculation about a push for American drivers.
"We'll select drivers on merit. Having a driver on merit doesn't mean you can't have an American passport as well. We've got a lot to choose from," he explained earlier this year.
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For US fans hoping to see a homegrown racer in the cockpit, the door remains open – but not guaranteed. Also, Ferrari, as the team's initial power unit supplier, might also want to express its view on the topic.
"You can't just judge an F1 team on what they're doing this year or next year,” Lowdon said. “The team's here to stay. I think the fans would love to see an American driver in an American team.
“There's nothing stopping that from happening, but we've just got to go ahead and select on merit and build a team, because there are a few very experienced drivers available."
Timing Could Play Into Cadillac’s Hands
Unlike its rivals, Cadillac missed the frantic 2025 driver market merry-go-round, but Lowdon sees a potential upside.
"We weren't able to participate in the last round of driver negotiations, so we're out of sync with a lot of other teams. But there's some advantages to that as well. There's a lot of very good drivers available at the minute.
"As and when we put the driver line-up together, whatever it is, it'll be a strong one."
With Perez and Bottas bringing experience, and Herta adding American flair, Cadillac’s final move on the reserve driver front could prove decisive in shaping its first season in the sport.
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