Two-time IndyCar champion Will Power has publicly supported 19-year-old Connor Zilisch as a strong candidate for a seat with Cadillac F1‘s promising American driver roster in 2026. The American team, backed by General Motors and Andretti Global, will debut on the Formula 1 grid as the 11th team in 2026, generating significant excitement.
Cadillac F1 has reportedly settled on one driver after considering several experienced names such as Valtteri Bottas, Sergio Perez, Zhou Guanyu, and Colton Herta. Sergio Perez, formerly of Red Bull until the end of the 2024 season, is expected to be announced as the team’s first official signing during the 2025 Italian Grand Prix weekend from September 5 to 7.
Will Power Identifies NASCAR Driver Connor Zilisch as a Future F1 Star
Will Power has expressed strong support for another young American talent, NASCAR driver Connor Zilisch, as the ideal candidate for the second Cadillac F1 seat. Power highlighted Zilisch’s exceptional skill and potential to become America’s next major figure in Formula 1 racing.
“Connor Zilisch was one that I thought… that is America’s next F1 guy. I really did. I thought it was a pity… I don’t know if he has a contract with Chevrolet, but that’s your guy, man. That’s your guy for that Cadillac F1 seat. Put him in open-wheelers. I guess you could do it through IndyCar, you could do it through Europe, but I think he’s exceptional,” Power said via SpeedFreaks on YouTube. [33:15 onwards]
The last American to compete in Formula 1 was Logan Sargeant, who raced with Williams but was released midway through 2024 due to disappointing performances and high crash costs. Power further emphasized his belief in Zilisch’s talent, recalling his karting days with the young driver.
“I actually raced karts with him, against him. I could see from the outset, this guy is going to be very, very good. That’s the guy. If he’s going to back the guy, he’s the one.”
Connor Zilisch’s Rise through NASCAR and Recovery from Injury
Connor Zilisch has emerged as a standout competitor in the NASCAR Xfinity Series during 2025. Racing for JR Motorsports, he secured six victories along with three additional podium finishes. Unfortunately, his momentum was interrupted by a collarbone fracture sustained in a celebration accident at Watkins Glen.
Following surgery, Zilisch’s return timeline remains uncertain and will depend on a group decision, including input from Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks, who has a developmental contract with the driver.
Industry Experts Praise Zilisch’s Versatility and Potential
Before Will Power’s endorsement, former IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe also advocated for Zilisch as a strong fit for Cadillac’s Formula 1 project. Hinchcliffe pointed to Zilisch’s remarkable adaptability across various racing disciplines as evidence of his potential at the highest level of motorsport.
The 19-year-old has not only excelled in NASCAR Xfinity but has also claimed victories in ARCA Menards, IMSA SportsCar Championship, and the Mazda MX-5 Cup. Hinchcliffe detailed Zilisch’s ability to quickly master different racing formats in an article for F1.com.
“Competing full time in the Xfinity Championship in 2025, he already has three wins in the season, including his first oval victory. 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.”
Final Decision on Cadillac’s Second Seat Still Pending
Although Zilisch is considered a promising option, Cadillac is also evaluating experienced options such as Valtteri Bottas and Aston Martin junior Felipe Drugovich for the second driver slot alongside Perez. The announcement of the team’s driver lineup is eagerly awaited in the lead-up to the 2025 Italian Grand Prix weekend.
The selection will be a critical step in shaping Cadillac F1’s competitive debut while further establishing the presence of American drivers on the global racing stage. Should Zilisch secure the seat, it would mark a significant milestone in his career and heighten anticipation around his potential impact in Formula 1.