General Motors is set to make its debut in Formula 1 in 2026 with its subsidiary, Cadillac. While work is underway on the team structure and new racing cars, Cadillac has yet to designate drivers to represent the team. Former world champion Mario Andretti, who is closely associated with the project as an advisor, shares insights into the team’s needs.
Cadillac is expected to appear as the eleventh team on the Formula 1 grid next year. Under pressure from automotive giant General Motors, the project is opting for a strong American influence. Advisor Mario Andretti, the last American to ever win a title in Formula 1, revealed during the F1 75 event in London that the drivers should also represent the United States. In a conversation with Sky Sports, he emphasized the importance of having at least one American driver.
“Yes, it is an absolute goal to attract at least one American,” he explained. “That’s what this whole program started with. We want to start with an American driver, supplemented by a very experienced driver of any nationality.”
Potential Drivers
An obvious candidate from American soil is Colton Herta. The 24-year-old IndyCar talent has long flirted with a switch to Formula 1, but was previously hindered by a lack of super license points. He already competes in the IndyCar for the Andretti Global team. Jak Crawford is also frequently mentioned. The young driver from North Carolina currently holds a reserve role at Aston Martin and has already participated in multiple Formula 1 practice sessions.
There is certainly no shortage of experienced drivers for Cadillac. Popular options include Valtteri Bottas, Daniel Ricciardo, and Sergio Pérez. These veterans have respectively won ten, eight, and six Grand Prix races. Andretti could not make any statements about the candidates, but did express his excitement about the progress. “I’m thrilled,” he concluded. “We have a fantastic team with a lot of energy and focus.” Moreover, the new regulations of 2026 would provide an opportunity to start on an equal footing with the existing teams.
