Mick Schumacher is emerging as a leading candidate for one of the two open seats at the new Cadillac Formula 1 team, according to Guenther Steiner, the former Haas team principal who previously released Schumacher. Scheduled to enter the championship at the Australian Grand Prix next March, Cadillac’s debut will expand the Formula 1 grid to 22 cars, marking the first time in nearly ten years the field will reach this size.
The addition of Cadillac will also see a second American team on the grid, joining Haas. This new entry is backed by General Motors and is led by Graeme Lowdon, signaling increased US involvement in Formula 1.
Steiner Highlights Schumacher’s Experience as a Key Asset
Schumacher, son of legendary driver Michael Schumacher, began his F1 career with Haas in 2021 but was dropped before the 2023 season after scoring just 12 points in two years. Despite this, Steiner firmly believes that Schumacher’s existing Formula 1 experience could prove valuable for Cadillac’s debut season.
I think Mick really has a chance,
Steiner said during an interview with RTL, as reported by Formule1.NL.
Cadillac needs a driver with Formula 1 experience, and there aren’t many unemployed drivers right now, but they do have this experience,
he added.
Comparing Candidates for the Cadillac Driver Seats
Schumacher is among several former Formula 1 drivers discussed as potential candidates for Cadillac’s roster. Alongside him, well-known racers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez are also considered frontrunners. Both Schumacher and Bottas have served as test and reserve drivers for Mercedes, a background Steiner believes will benefit Cadillac as a new team learning the ropes of the sport.
When he was a test driver at Mercedes, he didn’t race, but he did learn a lot about a good, big team,
said Steiner.
This knowledge of how a successful team works can help Cadillac.
Steiner also expressed skepticism about the likelihood of Cadillac choosing a less experienced American driver due to the high risks involved with inexperience.
I don’t think they’ll choose an American driver, because the risk is simply too great,
he stated.
The former Haas boss also named his preferred candidates, citing Schumacher alongside Sergio Pérez, Valtteri Bottas, and Zhou Guanyu as his top picks, all of whom bring valuable F1 experience.
These guys have no Formula 1 experience, and that could quickly put Cadillac in trouble. Sergio Pérez, Valtteri Bottas, and Zhou Guanyu. They all have Formula 1 experience. Along with Mick Schumacher, they are my favorite candidates for Cadillac.
Schumacher’s Recent Career and Discussions with Cadillac
After stepping away from his reserve driver role at Mercedes last season, Schumacher shifted his focus to endurance racing, competing full-time with Alpine in the World Endurance Championship. Despite this change, he has maintained interest in a return to Formula 1 and recently confirmed that positive discussions with the Cadillac F1 team have taken place.
Steiner praised Schumacher’s character and work ethic during their time together, emphasizing that despite letting him go previously, he holds a positive opinion of the young driver.
The Significance of the Cadillac F1 Entry
Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 is poised to reshape the competition landscape by intensifying the presence of American teams and manufacturers in the sport. Supported by General Motors and led by experienced figures such as Graeme Lowdon, the new team aims to capitalize on seasoned drivers like Schumacher and Bottas. Their expertise will be crucial in accelerating the team’s development during its initial seasons.
The series returning to a 22-car grid for the first time in years also means increased challenges and opportunities for all teams and drivers, potentially raising competition levels for the 2025 season. For Schumacher, securing a seat with Cadillac would represent a valuable chance to revive his F1 career and leverage his unique experience gained through Haas and Mercedes associations.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is number 13 banned in F1?
A. Yes, the number 13 can be used. Pastor Maldonado actually picked #13 when the permanent number system was introduced in 2014. While some cultures see 13 as unlucky, F1 lets drivers decide on their own.
Q. Which F1 driver has ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton’s experiences with ADHD and dyslexia have greatly affected his personal life and racing career. His journey challenges the typical view of success in Formula 1 and shows why learning differences deserve acknowledgment.
Q. Is 13 banned in F1?
A. F1 drivers can select a permanent number ranging from 2 to 99, except for 17, which they will use for their entire F1 career.
Q. Which F1 drivers have ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton, born in 1985, is a British Formula One driver who races for Mercedes. He has also raced for McLaren. Hamilton openly talks about his experiences with ADHD and shares his various interests and passions.