Sebastian Vettel backs axed F1 star for 2026 Cadillac seat

Sebastian Vettel has backed a ditched Formula 1 star to make his comeback to the sport with Cadillac next season.

The American squad are set to make their debut in 2026, and in doing so, will become the 11th team on the grid.

Plans are well under way behind the scenes to ensure the team are in prime position to make an immediate impact, but they have yet to confirm one of the most important elements - their driver lineup.

A host of candidates are currently in the running, including Mick Schumacher, and Vettel believes the 26-year-old deserves a second chance to prove he has what it takes to compete at this level after being axed by Haas in 2022.

"I wish him well," the four-time champion told Sport.de. "We're in contact, of course, and I also saw how his time in Formula 1 ended.

"I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he gets another chance because I believe he can absolutely keep up with the others.

"Schumacher is now at a completely different stage. He is much more mature, and I think he is doing a very good job at Alpine in the World Endurance Championship.

"It would be nice if he gets a second chance at Cadillac."

Schumacher targeting F1 return

Schumacher - son of seven-time drivers' champion Michael - was tipped for big things after winning the 2020 F2 title, and got his opportunity in the top tier with Haas the following year.

But the German collected just 12 points over two frustrating seasons and was ultimately shown the door.

He then spent two years as Mercedes' backup driver, before announcing his shock decision to step down from that role at the end of 2024 to focus on competing in the World Endurance Championship with Alpine.

The 26-year-old - who was in the paddock at last weekend's Miami Grand Prix - has refused to give up on his F1 dream, however, and reportedly impressed Cadillac advisor Mario Andretti during a recent meeting.

Andretti previously confirmed the team would ideally like to have one American behind the wheel, with IndyCar star Colton Herta strongly linked, but is considering Schumacher as well as former Red Bull stars Sergio Perez and Daniel Ricciardo for the other vacant spot.

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