Mick Schumacher is once again making headlines in the Formula 1 world, but according to former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya, his name is only surfacing due to a flurry of conversations he had during the Miami Grand Prix weekend.
The German driver, who has been without a full-time F1 seat since his departure from Haas at the end of 2022, has been linked to one of the coveted Cadillac F1 spots for the 2026 season. However, Montoya suggests this connection is more smoke than fire.
Montoya Says Schumacher Buzz Stems from Miami Paddock Activity
Having taken on a reserve role with Mercedes while racing in the World Endurance Championship with Alpine, Schumacher remains intent on returning to the Formula 1 grid. But Montoya believes his latest surge in attention is more about visibility than viability.
“Mick Schumacher was speaking to everyone at Miami, so that’s why he’s in the news again,” Montoya told Sites de Apostas.
The 26-year-old was seen actively engaging with team personnel and stakeholders, sparking speculation about his potential return. Despite this, Montoya doesn’t see Cadillac pursuing Schumacher as a top choice.
Perez and Zhou Emerging as Cadillac's Preferred Lineup
Instead, Montoya, a seven-time F1 Grand Prix winner, predicts that Cadillac’s Formula 1 debut in 2026 will feature a more commercially and strategically viable driver pairing—Sergio Perez and Zhou Guanyu.
“I’d be surprised if Cadillac don’t go for Sergio Perez as their number one, and I’d say Zhou Guanyu as their number two,” Montoya continued.
Ferrari Ties and Financial Leverage Could Influence Decision
Montoya’s analysis isn’t purely speculative. He pointed to Cadillac’s engine partnership with Ferrari—set to last through its first three F1 seasons—as a potential influencing factor in choosing drivers familiar with Ferrari systems.
“Guanyu has been driving in the Ferrari engines as the reserve driver, he’ll be used to the systems at Cadillac,” he explained.
While other contenders like Valtteri Bottas and Schumacher have experience with Ferrari-powered cars, Montoya underlined that financial backing may ultimately play a critical role in Cadillac’s final decision.
“Also, Perez and Guanyu both bring a lot of money to the team. It’s a bunch of money they can invest into the car.”
Cadillac’s 2026 F1 Plans Gaining Momentum
As the American manufacturer prepares for its highly anticipated F1 entry, speculation over its driver lineup is only expected to intensify. With ties to Ferrari and a need for both technical familiarity and commercial strength, the inclusion of Perez and Zhou would represent a blend of experience, sponsorship potential, and synergy with the team’s power unit provider.
While Mick Schumacher continues his push for a return to the grid, it seems, for now, the Cadillac door may remain just out of reach.