F1 world discusses Cadillac driver line-up options: Sergio Perez and alternatives

Cadillac F1's potential driver line-up is coming under scrutiny from fans.

Cadillac is set to hold a launch event during the Miami Grand Prix weekend, and with Sergio Perez present in the city, many believe he will likely be announced as one of the drivers joining the American team in 2026. As rumours continue to circulate about the Mexican driver, the Formula 1 world has been discussing who they feel the General Motors-led team should choose.

The American team received its final approval to become the eleventh team on the F1 grid at the beginning of March 2025, and it was later confirmed on 23 April that General Motors has been approved as an F1 power unit supplier starting in 2029.

Naturally, since the confirmation from F1, there has been a lot of discussion about the future driver line-up of the team. Team chief Graeme Lowdon previously explained to Autosport that the drivers will be chosen "on merit" after talk of having at least one American driver.

"We'll select drivers on merit. 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," he said.

"But also, you can't just judge an F1 team on what they're doing this year or next year. 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."

Cadillac F1: Fans have their say on the driver options

Sergio Perez

Since the release of reports hinting at the former Red Bull driver joining the American outfit, fans have shared their support for the idea. One fan responded to Motorsport.com on social media, "Great deal for Cadillac if they can secure Checo."

"Perez will be a good signing," said another fan, with a third agreeing, stating: "That’s not a bad move by Cadillac."

Cadillac F1

Photo by: FIA

On the other hand, others argue that the 35-year-old is past his best days in the sport. "It’s hardly an ambitious signing, Perez is a journeyman racing driver, good on his day but those days are behind him. Cadillac won’t be looking to the future and won’t find it in the past," commented a fan.

Before leaving Red Bull at the end of 2024, Perez enjoyed a 14-year stint in F1. Driving for teams such as Sauber, McLaren, Force India/Racing Point, and Red Bull, Perez accumulated six race wins, 39 podium finishes, and three pole positions.

Another fan wrote, "Perez I’m surprised. He’s a talented driver, but beyond his best days."

Daniel Ricciardo

Others have mentioned Daniel Ricciardo as a possibility for the team. One fan argued, "Sergio and Daniel Ricardo would be a nice fit for Cadillac."

The Australian driver lost his VCARB seat to Liam Lawson in the latter stages of the 2024 season. Similarly to Perez, Riccardo would bring with him 14 years of experience in the sport. He also very quickly became a fan favourite amongst newer converts after the release of Netflix's Drive to Survive, which could be appealing for the American team.

Colton Herta

Colton Herta has been a popular suggestion from fans and from pundits within the sport. Mario Andretti, who is on the board of directors for the Cadillac F1 team, has previously stated that Herta would be a "great candidate."

"Looking back at the way Colton has trained from the very beginning of his young career — as you know, he started in Formula 3 and so on with the likes of Lando Norris, and he's done some F1 testing," the 1978 F1 champion explained to Motorsport.com.

"Zak Brown gave him a good test at Portimao in Portugal. You should see the report that we got from [team principal] Andrea Stella. And Andrea is an individual that says it like it is — so again, [Herta's] a great candidate. And all of this has to be proven, of course, but going in, he's a good bet, in my opinion."

This is also the opinion of some in the F1 community, one person wrote posted: "Sergio Perez / Colton Herta is a good line up."

Other alternatives

Other fans have called for Mercedes reserve driver Valtteri Bottas to be considered, as well as Zhou Guanyu, who joined Ferrari as a reserve driver after leaving Sauber at the end of 2024.