…but Cadillac urges patience amid Sergio Pérez and American driver aspirations for 2026 F1 entry – The buzz surrounding Cadillac’s imminent arrival in Formula One has shifted from technical progress to an intensifying debate over who will be handed the keys to the team’s first challenger in 2026. As the team continues to develop its first F1 car and work on its own power unit, due to debut in 2029, the critical question of driver selection remains officially unresolved – despite swirling rumours linking veteran Sergio Pérez to the project.
Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports – the overarching organisation behind Cadillac’s F1 efforts – sought to clarify the current situation over the weekend at the Miami Grand Prix. His message was simple: Cadillac is not rushing into any decisions and is committed to taking a deliberate and strategic approach to driver recruitment.
No contracts signed despite speculation
The rumours linking Pérez to Cadillac have gained momentum in recent weeks, particularly following Red Bull’s decision not to renew the Mexican’s contract for the 2025 season. Given Pérez’s vast experience and stature within the sport, many believe he would be a natural choice to spearhead Cadillac’s ambitious entry. However, Towriss poured cold water on suggestions that a deal was imminent.
“I think the most important thing is that we’re not in a hurry to select a driver. There’s a lot that goes into choosing a Formula One driver,” said Towriss.
“We’re taking our time. The list definitely includes the names that are being talked about.”
He added with a hint of bemusement: “I have to smile when I wake up in the morning and read that we are close to an agreement. The truth is that nothing has been signed”.
Towriss emphasised that the qualities Cadillac is looking for in its drivers go far beyond pure speed. Experience, communication skills and the ability to contribute to car development – both on the track and in the simulator – are essential in building an F1 operation from the ground up.
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A comprehensive evaluation process
The driver selection process is conducted with significant input from across the General Motors racing ecosystem. Team Principal Graeme Lowdon, who brings extensive experience from his time at Marussia, is working closely with GM Motorsports Executive Director Eric Warren. Together, they are assessing the wide range of options available and gathering as much relevant data as possible.
“It’s not just about what happens on the track, but also in the simulator. There are many aspects to it,” explains Towriss. “Fortunately, Graeme and many others – including Eric – are gathering as much information as possible to make an informed decision. There is a lot of discussion, a lot of interest in this team – and we are certainly very grateful for that.”
This approach underlines Cadillac’s intention to avoid making hasty decisions or bowing to public pressure, even as fans and the media eagerly speculate on who will land the coveted seats for the American marque’s inaugural F1 campaign.
The American driver debate: Patriotic dream or practical plan?
One of the most prominent questions surrounding Cadillac’s debut is whether the team will make an effort to field an American driver from day one. F1’s popularity in the United States has grown exponentially over the past five years, fuelled by the success of the Las Vegas and Miami Grands Prix and the Netflix series Drive to Survive. Naturally, the arrival of an American-backed team in the championship has sparked debate as to whether there will be an American behind the wheel.
Graeme Lowdon has previously stated that driver selection will be based on merit rather than nationality. However, Towriss has confirmed that the long-term vision is to have a “home-grown” talent in the cockpit. However, he made it clear that this would only happen if the timing and talent were right.
“I would describe it this way: We’re committed to having an American driver. It’s important to all of us – but we want to get it right,” said Towriss. “It doesn’t have to be next year. It could be next year, but it doesn’t have to be.”
“The key is: the right person, in the right way, at the right time. It’s not about putting someone in just to say we’ve got an American”.
In short, Cadillac is not interested in making a symbolic gesture. Rather, the goal is to ensure that when an American driver does get the chance, he or she is fully prepared and positioned for success.
“We want that person to be in the best possible position when they step into the cockpit – and that position to be respected when an American driver joins the team,” Towriss added. “We are currently working on that process and plan. We’re committed to that goal – and we’ll bring the right driver into F1 at the right time.”
Sergio Pérez: Still in the picture?
Although Cadillac deny that a deal with Pérez is imminent, the fact that his name has repeatedly been linked with the team is telling. As a four-time Grand Prix winner with more than 250 race starts under his belt, Pérez would offer Cadillac an ideal blend of experience, marketability and technical feedback. His Mexican heritage also provides a valuable commercial link between the American and Latin American markets, both crucial territories for General Motors.
But Pérez is not the only experienced driver on the market. The F1 grid is seeing more movement than usual, with several teams considering changes for 2025 and 2026. That could open the door for Cadillac to pick from a surprisingly deep pool of veterans – and possibly pair one of them with a younger, developing talent.
Still, it’s clear from Towriss’ comments that the decision won’t be made purely on the basis of availability or public sentiment. The process will remain data-driven, thoughtful and, above all, focused on building a strong foundation for long-term success.
A project beyond the grid
While much of the current focus is on driver selection, Cadillac’s F1 operation continues to build its technical foundation. The car for the 2026 season is already under development and will comply with a brand new set of technical regulations focused on sustainable fuels and active aerodynamics. The team’s eventual goal of becoming a full constructor – producing its own engine – is also on track for 2029, underlining a long-term commitment rather than a marketing gimmick.
This multi-phased plan stands in contrast to other new entrants who have struggled to find their footing in F1’s ultra-competitive environment. By emphasising patience, experience and sustained planning, Cadillac aims to avoid the pitfalls that have plagued the likes of HRT, Caterham and even the early seasons of Haas.
A calculated rise, not a media circus
Despite the headlines and growing public interest, Cadillac’s management is sticking to its playbook: a cautious, informed and methodical entry into F1, at least publically.
Rumours of drivers such as Sergio Pérez may dominate the headlines, and fans may be clamouring for an American star to emerge immediately, but the team is resisting any urge to rush.
With development underway, leadership in place and a clear eye on long-term growth – including the production of its own engine – the pieces are falling into place for Cadillac’s F1 debut in 2026. And when it comes to the drivers who will carry the American flag on the grid, it won’t be about nationality or nostalgia. It’ll be about willingness, ability and vision.
In the words of Dan Towriss: “The right person, in the right way, at the right time”. That mantra may yet become the cornerstone of America’s most ambitious F1 project in decades.
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