Formula 1 fans, the wait is getting real. Cadillac is making its big entry as the 11th team on the 2026 F1 grid, and everyone wants to know: who will be behind the wheel? Well, racing legend, F1 world champion, and now Cadillac board member Mario Andretti finally broke his silence, dropping some hints while still keeping everyone guessing.
The Cadillac F1 Dream Gets Real
Let’s be honest, Cadillac joining F1 is huge news for every motorsport fan. The GM-backed team is stepping up as a Ferrari customer for 2026, with plans to develop its own engines in 2028. Chassis and powertrain updates? Check. But the biggest mystery left is who gets that golden ticket to drive in F1’s newest squad.
Who’s In the Running?
Rumors have been buzzing nonstop. Names like Valtteri Bottas, Sergio Perez, and Mick Schumacher have all been floating around. And just this week, whispers got louder, Bottas and Perez have apparently agreed “in principle” to join Cadillac’s debut season. If that’s true, we’re talking about two very experienced pairs of hands steering Cadillac’s first-ever F1 campaign.
Andretti Tells Fans: Watch This Space
So, what does Mario Andretti say about all this? In true racing legend style, he’s keeping his cards close to his chest. Speaking to German media, he didn’t spill the beans or set a date for the big reveal. Instead, Andretti urged fans to ignore the endless gossip and “just believe what we communicate.” It’s classic F1 secrecy, building hype and keeping eyes glued for the official word.
“If he [Perez] finds the right environment, with all of his experience at both smaller teams with less budget [than] Red Bull, he definitely has something to offer. Especially perhaps, a new team coming in that needs an experienced driver for the first couple of years, Checo would be a good addition,” he told Planet F1.
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Why Bottas & Perez Make Sense
If the lineup is Bottas and Perez, it’s a bold but sensible move. Both drivers have been around the block; they know how to score points, develop cars, and handle pressure. Otmar Szafnauer, Perez’s old boss, backs this move. He says that for a brand-new team, experienced drivers like “Checo” Perez are just what Cadillac needs to survive the tough opening years. Both Bottas and Perez have worked with top teams and under high budgets, so they’ve got what it takes, and maybe a little more to prove.
For now, all eyes are on the team’s official channels. Believe the hype, but wait for the announcement; this story is only just getting started.
Also read: Is Christian Horner Joining Cadillac For 2026? All Questions Answered
