Formula 1’s latest crew, Cadillac, set to sign up for the grid in 2026, is already on the centre of a fierce driving force marketplace tussle, with crew most important Graeme Lowdon confirming more than one applicants are withinside the body for his or her race seats.
Colton Herta, the IndyCar standout from Andretti, stays the front-runner to convey an American flavour—a key intention for Cadillac. Yet his direction is blocked with the aid of using a shortfall in FIA extremely good licence points. “If that stays the case then it’s going to honestly be a barrier for him,” Lowdon acknowledged, highlighting the regulatory hurdle that might derail Herta’s shot in spite of his pedigree.
Logan Sargeant, some other American with the considered necessary credentials, is a wildcard. Dropped with the aid of using Williams mid-2024 and these days withdrawn from a deliberate 2025 sports activities automobile stint, he’s presently adrift. “As some distance as I know, Logan is not concerned in motorsport,” Lowdon said. “He’s American, however no, we haven’t had any discussions with him.” Sargeant’s F1 enjoy makes him a contender, however Cadillac’s silence indicates he’s now no longer but on their radar.
Sergio Perez, ousted from Red Bull, gives a Latin American twist—and hefty Mexican sponsorship. His father, Antonio Perez Garibay, hinted at huge plans on Mexican television: “Sergio is getting ready some thing huge and vital for the Mexican fans – they’ll be very glad and proud, and I wish it’s going to final for plenty years. Sergio is calling ahead to returning to come to be a champion, due to the fact this is the handiest component he’s missing.” Perez’s name starvation ought to align with Cadillac’s ambitions.
Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, each axed from Sauber, also are circling. Zhou’s part lies in his Ferrari ties—Cadillac’s 2026 engine supplier—and his hyperlink to Lowdon, who manages his career. “There isn’t anyt any choice in any direction, both for him or for another driver,” Lowdon insisted. “We are right here to do a job, so we can select drivers primarily based totally on merit. There are a few excellent ones available, consisting of Zhou.” Bottas brings pro nous, at the same time as Zhou gives kids and connections.
Lowdon’s inbox is brimming: “My telecellsmartphone is truely busy. There are effortlessly 1/2 of a dozen candidates, if now no longer greater, who’ve remarkable credentials to be in Formula 1 or to emerge as lower back there.” Mick Schumacher’s pushing for a return, in contrast to Daniel Ricciardo, who’s dominated himself out. “It’s a piece too early to enter an excessive amount of greater element due to the fact we’re most effective now in a role to have significant discussions,” Lowdon added. With talks heating up, Cadillac’s driving force name ought to form F1’s 2026 grid.
