Cadillac Formula 1 is set to make its debut on the F1 grid in 2026, with Graeme Lowdon leading as team principal. As the team approaches pre-season testing at the end of January, speculation is growing around their driver line-up. Industry insiders James Hinchliffe and Lawrence Barretto expect the American team to initially prioritize experienced drivers over debutants, despite hopes for an American driver to join the team in the future.
The focus on an American driver future Cadillac F1 involvement is strong, but current plans lean towards signing seasoned racers such as Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas to establish a competitive foundation from the outset.
Potential American Driver Candidates for the Long Term
Although no American driver is considered ready to immediately deliver results at the top level, there is clear interest in several promising talents. Hinchliffe highlighted names like Colton Herta, Kyle Kirkwood, and Jak Crawford as potential candidates who could join the team down the line. Prior testing success and racing achievements have put these drivers on the radar.
“It would be [a great story] and I think one day it will be. I think absolutely an American driver is the goal for this team, but also performing at the highest level has to be goal number one,”
Hinchliffe said in an interview with F1.com. He noted that while none of the current American drivers could step into a race seat and immediately compete with the experience of established F1 drivers, they possess notable promise. Colton Herta’s successful test with McLaren and interest from AlphaTauri particularly demonstrate his potential.
The similar progress of Kyle Kirkwood, who has been competitive in the IndyCar Series and is part of the TWG family like Herta, was also emphasized. Additionally, Jak Crawford’s presence in Formula 2 further strengthens the pipeline of American talent associated with the Cadillac F1 project.
“You’ve got Jak Crawford in F2. So there is a line-up of young Americans that have potential. It’s not going to be for 2026, but eventually I think we’re going to see an American in that seat,”
Hinchliffe added.
Strategic Value of Reserve Roles for Emerging Drivers
Lawrence Barretto stressed that while an American driver may not secure a racing seat with Cadillac in 2026, integrating talented young Americans through reserve roles would be a wise, forward-looking approach. Barretto sees these positions as valuable learning opportunities and stepping stones for future involvement.
“And I think that is the point about this project,”
Barretto explained.
“We’ve talked about wanting or suggesting that Valtteri and Sergio are going to be in the team for next season and maybe a couple of years, but I think that’s why the other names we’ve talked about… it’s a long-term thing.”
He emphasized that drivers like Mick Schumacher, Jak Crawford, or Felipe Drugovich could benefit from joining the team as reserves, even if they do not immediately secure main race seats. Barretto believes this strategy could yield benefits as the team continues to grow and evolve.
“So I think that in two or three years’ time, if Mick [Schumacher] doesn’t get the seat, for example, or Jak Crawford or Felipe Drugovich, joining the project for now as a reserve would still be a really intelligent thing to do because this team could be going places. They’re investing hard and who knows what’s going to happen in a year, two years.”
He also noted the unpredictable nature of Formula 1 seasons, which supports the necessity of having strong reserve drivers ready to step in.
“We’ve seen in Formula 1, you can’t complete a season for sure. So, it makes sense for these guys to join that operation even if they don’t get in from the very beginning,”
Barretto concluded.
Implications for American Talent and Cadillac’s Growth in F1
Cadillac’s cautious approach to its initial driver lineup suggests a commitment to strong, immediate performance while nurturing American talent carefully over time. This gradual integration strategy for American drivers aligns with the team’s goal to perform consistently at a high level and establish itself firmly within the sport.
Though Cadillac’s 2026 roster may not include an American driver, the involvement of promising young Americans in reserve capacities could lay the foundation for future breakthroughs. Continued investments and strategic development within the team may open doors for these drivers in subsequent seasons, reflecting a long-term vision that balances experience with nurturing new talent.