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Cadillac’s much-anticipated Formula 1 debut in 2026 has sparked intense speculation about their driver lineup. Team principal Graeme Lowdon confirmed on Monday that at least six names are being considered, with selections to be made strictly on merit.
Final Approval Opens Doors for Driver Talks
The General Motors-backed outfit recently received final approval to join the grid as the sport’s 11th team. With that green light, discussions around potential drivers have ramped up significantly.
"The obvious question is whether we'll have American drivers, and personally, I see no reason why an American driver can't be selected on merit," Lowdon told reporters in a video call. "The overriding objective is merit."
Several experienced F1 drivers currently without seats could be in contention, including Zhou Guanyu, Valtteri Bottas, Sergio Pérez, and Mick Schumacher. Additionally, American IndyCar star Colton Herta remains a frequently mentioned candidate.
A Competitive Pool of Talent
Lowdon emphasized that there are multiple qualified candidates capable of securing a seat.
"Do we see experienced, capable drivers ... very talented drivers who currently aren't on the grid? Yes, we do," he said. "We are going to be quite busy talking to a few people. My phone has certainly been busy, that's for sure."
He added that at least half a dozen drivers possess the credentials to race in F1 or make a return.
Colton Herta’s Super Licence Hurdle
While Herta remains a strong contender, his eligibility is uncertain due to super-licence requirements. Lowdon acknowledged this challenge but did not rule him out.
"He's an incredibly talented driver. So, for sure, it's not shock news that we would be looking to consider Colton alongside a whole bunch of other drivers as well," he noted. "He won't be the last driver where there's some uncertainty due to super licence points, but we just have to live with that. That's a regulation. We just have to respect it."
Zhou Guanyu’s Strong Case
Lowdon has a history of involvement in Zhou’s management and is well aware of his capabilities. Zhou, currently a Ferrari reserve driver for 2025, has been linked to a potential Cadillac seat.
"I think Zhou's done an exceptionally good job under difficult circumstances over the last couple of years," Lowdon stated. "He doesn't necessarily need to explain the background of his abilities because I've had a front-row seat to see all that."
Despite his ties to Zhou, Lowdon assured that Cadillac's selection process remains impartial.
"There's the correct checks and balances in place, so there's no favouritism in any particular direction towards him or any other driver that we may have involvement with," he said. "There are some really good ones out there, Zhou included."
What’s Next for Cadillac?
With the clock ticking toward their 2026 debut, Cadillac faces a critical decision in assembling a competitive driver lineup. As discussions intensify, the final choices will reflect a commitment to talent and performance rather than nationality or external influence.
