Mick Schumacher has described his interactions with the Cadillac Formula 1 team as “very positive” as the American brand prepares to join the F1 grid in 2026. After ending his tenure with Haas following the 2022 season, Schumacher has engaged in talks aimed at securing a seat for the upcoming era of the championship.

Since losing his full-time racing spot in 2023, Schumacher has served as a reserve driver for Mercedes and ventured into the World Endurance Championship with Alpine in 2024, yet he remains strongly focused on making a comeback in Formula 1.

Background and Current Status of Schumacher’s Career

Schumacher’s departure from Haas ended a two-year stint with the American team, leaving him without a regular seat for the 2023 F1 season. In the interim, his role as Mercedes’ reserve driver has kept him close to Formula 1. Meanwhile, he has gained valuable experience competing in endurance racing with Alpine’s WEC program, balancing his aspirations to return to F1.

The Cadillac F1 team, set to become the 11th competitor on the grid starting in 2026, has not yet revealed its driver lineup. Multiple F1 talents, including Mercedes reserve driver Valtteri Bottas and former Red Bull driver Sergio Perez, have been linked to potential seats alongside Schumacher. The team operates under the leadership of team principal Graeme Lowdon.

Schumacher’s Perspective on Talks with Cadillac

Speaking with the Brazilian edition of Motorsport.com, Schumacher confirmed the ongoing nature of driver discussions, emphasizing the positive nature of his communications with Cadillac. He highlighted the impressive progress the team has made in recruiting talented staff as they prepare for their entrance into Formula 1.

Yes, of course, discussions are ongoing,

Schumacher acknowledged.

The communication has been very positive so far.

He added,

And they’ve already hired a fantastic number of people for it. It’s an honour to be part of it, to negotiate with them, and a great position to be in.

Team Principal Graeme Lowdon on Driver Selection Philosophy

Graeme Lowdon offered insight into the team’s approach toward choosing drivers during a podcast appearance. He stressed that the team’s motivation centers on overall competitiveness rather than serving as a platform for drivers to prove individual points.

Everyone wants to prove something else again,

Lowdon said when asked about drivers like Schumacher and Bottas.

He clarified that the team aims to create a strong on-track presence and that drivers should primarily focus on contributing to the group’s success rather than personal achievement.

The driver is there to do the best that they possibly can for their team, and they should be motivated for the team around them as well. So, I’m less keen on people who kind of want to prove a personal point.

Implications and Next Steps for Schumacher in F1

As Cadillac prepares for its Formula 1 debut, the selection of drivers will be critical in shaping the team’s early trajectory. Mick Schumacher’s positive negotiations position him as a strong contender for a race seat, marking a possible return to the sport at a significant moment in his career. With the team building a solid infrastructure and attracting competitive talent, the upcoming announcements will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, possibly defining Schumacher’s F1 future beyond his current reserve duties and endurance racing.