Cadillac F1 team principal shares 2026 driver lineup update

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Cadillac F1 team principal shares 2026 driver lineup update

Cadillac will become the 11th team on the grid from next season

Kevin McKenna

Thursday 17 April 2025 21:57 Updated: 17:57

Cadillac F1 team principal Graeme Lowdon has provided an insight into what criteria any prospective drivers must fulfil if they are to form part of their 2026 lineup.

The American outfit will join the Formula 1 grid from 2026, and in doing so, will become the 11th team on the grid.

It has been strongly suggested that one of the vacant driver spots will be taken by US IndyCar star Colton Herta, but the remaining seat is still up for grabs.

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And in an interview with Autosport.com, Lowdon has revealed how their driver lineup will ultimately be decided.

"We'll select drivers on merit," he said. "Having a driver on merit doesn't mean you can't have an American passport as well. We've got a lot to choose from."

Cadillac targeting experienced F1 star

A number of big names currently without a seat have been linked with the position, including the likes of former Red Bull star Sergio Perez, and Daniel Ricciardo, who was axed by Racing Bulls (formerly VCARB) midway through 2024.

American Logan Sargeant suffered the same fate as his Australian counterpart, having been replaced by Franco Colapinto at Williams in the final months of last season, and he would be a popular choice with American fans.

"You can't just judge an F1 team on what they're doing this year or next year," Lowden continued. "The team's here to stay.

"I think the fans would love to see an American driver in an American team.

"There's nothing stopping that from happening, but we've just got to go ahead and select on merit and build a team, because there are a few very experienced drivers available.

"We weren't able to participate in the last round of driver negotiations, so we're out of sync with a lot of other teams.

"But there's some advantages to that as well. There's a lot of very good drivers available at the minute.

"As and when we put the driver lineup together, whatever it is, it'll be a strong one."

Cadillac will be joined by Audi (Sauber) on the grid next season, with the German manufacturer having already confirmed their driver pairing as Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto.

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Formula 1 Sergio Perez Cadillac Graeme Lowdon Colton Herta