Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 in 2026 has been an absolute cinema and led to plenty of excitement and speculation, especially around their driver lineup. As the American brand prepares to join the grid as the 11th team, fans and insiders alike have been waiting for the news on who will drive their cars. Recently, a lot of social media activity has sparked rumors that the team might have revealed their 2026 driver pairing. So, let’s take a look at what happened and what it means for Cadillac’s F1 debut.
The Instagram Video: Valtteri Bottas Sparks Speculation
The buzz began when Valtteri Bottas, one of the drivers linked strongly with Cadillac, posted an Instagram video that seemed to hint at his involvement with the team. The clip featured Bottas looking at a Cadillac SUV and saying, “That’s a nice seat”, and when an off-camera voice asks if he wants to sit in it, he said, “Not yet.”
Ever since this video, fans have been going crazy, as it might be a subtle hint of his potential future with Cadillac. Given that Bottas has been off the grid since the end of last season and is considered a front-runner for one of the team seats, this video added weight to the speculation.
The Mysterious Cadillac Video and the Like/Unlike Saga
Shortly after Bottas’s Instagram post, Cadillac itself released a promotional video announcing a collaboration with Tommy Hilfiger, teasing their 2026 F1 project. Intriguingly, this video was initially liked by both Valtteri Bottas and Mick Schumacher, another top candidate for the team’s lineup, before both drivers mysteriously unliked it. This social media frenzy not only strengthened the speculations but also revealed their driver choices ahead of an official announcement.
What Is Cadillac Saying?
Despite the social media hints, Cadillac’s team principal, Graeme Lowdon, has been clear that no final decisions have been made regarding their driver lineup. He emphasizes that while discussions with several drivers, including Bottas, Mick Schumacher, and Felipe Drugovich, are advancing, the focus remains on building a competitive car for their debut season.
The Bigger Picture: Why the Delay?
Cadillac’s cautious approach to announcing drivers is strategic. With many established drivers locked into contracts and the F1 “silly season” just heating up, rushing the announcement could backfire if unexpected moves occur elsewhere on the grid. Moreover, the team is building a substantial operation, already employing around two-thirds of their planned workforce and focusing on technical development. This means the driver announcement can wait until the team is fully prepared on all fronts.
Conclusion: No Official Drop Yet, But the Rumors Are Real
While Cadillac has not officially dropped their 2026 driver lineup, recent social media activity involving Bottas and Schumacher has certainly stirred the pot. The Instagram video by Bottas and the team’s promo liked and then unliked by both drivers have fans wondering if the secret is out prematurely.
However, official statements from the team maintain that discussions are ongoing and no contracts have been signed. As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will remain to see who will take the wheel for America’s newest F1 entrant.
In the meantime, the intrigue continues, and the driver market remains wide open, making the countdown to Cadillac’s debut even more thrilling.
Also Read: Did Valtteri Bottas Just Hint At His F1 Return With Cadillac
