Cadillac’s long-awaited entry into Formula 1 in 2026 has already sent ripples through the paddock. With Graeme Lowdon, Cadillac’s team principal, leading the charge and a high-profile technical team in place, the next big question is, who gets to be Cadillac’s reserve driver? It’s a role that can make or break a team’s first season, and for Cadillac, the choice will need to balance experience, adaptability, and brand appeal. Here are four names that could fit the bill, starting with a fan favorite.
Cadillac’s Reserve Driver In 2026
1. Mick Schumacher
If there’s one name that jumps out immediately as a Cadillac’s reserve driver, it’s Mick Schumacher. The 25-year-old son of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher has unfinished business in F1 after his Haas stint ended in 2022. Mick then appeared in F1 as Mercedes’ reserve but exited from the role at the end of the 2024 season. For Cadillac, he offers more than just speed; there’s the Schumacher legacy, German-American market crossover potential, and the kind of professionalism you need in a debut season. Plus, Mick has proven he can handle pressure, even if his Haas years were marred by inconsistent machinery.
2. Jack Doohan
Son of five-time MotoGP champion Mick Doohan, Jack has been steadily building his reputation in Alpine’s driver academy. His 2023 F2 campaign proved he’s a quick learner under pressure. Doohan combines raw pace with an analytical approach, something Cadillac will desperately need as they gather data in their first season. If Alpine’s 2026 plans don’t have room for him, Cadillac’s reserve driver role could be the perfect stepping stone.
3. Ryo Hirakawa
Japan’s Ryo Hirakawa brings something different with his endurance racing grit mixed with single-seater finesse. As a Toyota factory driver and Le Mans winner, he’s proven he can operate at peak performance in high-pressure, high-stakes environments. While his F1 testing mileage is limited, Hirakawa’s adaptability and work ethic could be invaluable for Cadillac’s reserve driver. He’d also help Cadillac tap into Japan’s passionate motorsport fanbase, an increasingly important market for the sport.
4. Zhou Guanyu
China’s first-ever F1 driver has quietly built a reputation for consistency during his stint with Alfa Romeo/Sauber. Zhou brings solid racecraft, calm under pressure, and a huge fan following in China, a market every F1 team is eager to connect with. For Cadillac, Zhou would offer both on-track reliability and massive off-track brand value. Plus, with a few years of F1 experience already under his belt, he could provide critical setup as Cadillac’s reserve driver to accelerate the team’s learning curve.
The Bottom Line
Cadillac’s reserve driver will set the tone for how the team handles unexpected challenges in its debut season. While all five names bring something unique, Mick Schumacher offers the perfect blend of star power, experience, and marketability to lead the list. For a new American entrant with big ambitions, starting with a Schumacher in your corner feels like a move straight out of the playbook for success.
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