As Formula 1 expands its presence in the United States, with three grands prix held in Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas, American fans eagerly await the arrival of a homegrown driver in the sport. Although Cadillac is set to join the Formula 1 grid in 2026, an established American driver is still missing, especially after Logan Sargeant lost his seat mid-2024 season. NASCAR star Connor Zilisch, a Red Bull-sponsored athlete, has now been suggested as a promising candidate to fill this gap, particularly by former <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/motorsports/indycar/”>IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe.
Cadillac’s 2026 Driver Lineup Could Feature NASCAR Talent
Cadillac has yet to announce the drivers who will compete for their team in the 2026 Formula 1 season. James Hinchcliffe has recommended that the American manufacturer consider Connor Zilisch, a rising NASCAR talent, as a future addition. Zilisch’s exceptional performance in the Xfinity Series, demonstrating skill on both road courses and ovals, has earned him recognition as one of the most adaptable drivers of his generation.
At just 19 years old, Zilisch’s ability to transition between stock car racing and road racing sets him apart. Hinchcliffe emphasized that Zilisch possesses a rare versatility, and with the right development path through open wheel racing—starting with a season or two in Formula 2—he could become qualified to race in Formula 1 relatively quickly.
James Hinchcliffe’s Perspective on Connor Zilisch’s Potential
In a column on the official Formula 1 website, Hinchcliffe highlighted Zilisch’s diverse racing background, spanning wins in Trans-Am cars, prototypes, and stock cars. He noted that Zilisch’s route to NASCAR came before he could fully explore opportunities in open wheel racing due to financial constraints, which Hinchcliffe regards as a significant loss for the open wheel world.
“Zilisch had a promising road racing career going, winning in everything from Trans-Am cars to prototypes to stock cars. Without the financial freedom to simply choose the route he wanted to go, opportunities came up in stock cars before anyone in the open wheel world took notice – and that is our loss,”
Hinchcliffe wrote.
He also praised Zilisch’s rapid adaptation to various track types in the Xfinity Series, mentioning his three wins in the ongoing 2025 season, including his first oval victory. This versatility, according to Hinchcliffe, distinguishes him from many peers who have specialized solely in stock car racing.
Hinchcliffe further commented,
“Given his road racing background, it is incredibly impressive that he is now competitive on the types of track that a lot of the drivers he’s racing against trained on exclusively on their rise to this level. And that’s really my point on Zilisch – he seems to be one of the most adaptable drivers that I’ve ever seen.”
And he has the time, because despite the impressive CV he is still only 19 years old.
—James Hinchcliffe, Former IndyCar Driver
The Importance of an American Driver in Formula 1’s Growing US Scene
The arrival of Cadillac as an American Formula 1 team in 2026 represents a pivotal moment for the sport in the United States. Fans have long awaited a driver who reflects the growing enthusiasm for Formula 1 in the country. With NASCAR’s rich talent pool and the proven adaptability of drivers like Zilisch, the prospect of an American breaking into Formula 1 has become more tangible.
Connor Zilisch’s potential transition to open wheel racing aligns with broader efforts to nurture American drivers for the global stage, especially as the sport tries to strengthen its domestic connection. Red Bull’s support of Zilisch further adds weight to his prospects, as the brand has a significant presence and influence within Formula 1.
As Cadillac finalizes its driver lineup, the possibility of Zilisch making the leap to Formula 1 could mark a new chapter in American motorsport, offering fans a homegrown competitor on one of the biggest platforms in racing by 2026.