According to the British website The Race, German driver Mick Schumacher could indeed join the American Cadillac team next year, but not in the capacity that many initially expected. Instead of being named as a full-time race driver for the team’s debut season in Formula 1, Schumacher may be signed as a reserve driver, while also taking on a full-time programme in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Hunt for the seats
In recent days, Cadillac has understandably been at the centre of numerous driver market rumours regarding the line-up the American team will field in its debut Formula 1 campaign next season. One name appears to be almost certain: Sergio Perez, who would return to compete in Formula 1 after just one year away from the sport. The battle for the second race seat, however, seems far more competitive.
Among the strongest candidates is Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas, but for several months Mick Schumacher’s name has also been circulating persistently. The German driver has not competed in Formula 1 since the conclusion of the 2022 season. Since then, he has reinvented his career first as a third driver for Mercedes and later as a full-time competitor in the World Endurance Championship with Alpine. This year, the son of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher has delivered excellent performances, already securing two podium finishes in the season so far.
The plan for Schumacher
Cadillac had already hinted at considering the 26-year-old for its Formula 1 project, but the latest reports from The Race suggest that the arrangement being discussed may differ from the original expectations. The plan would see Mick Schumacher join Cadillac as the official Formula 1 reserve driver, while simultaneously being appointed as a full-time driver for the team’s World Endurance Championship programme, in which the American manufacturer is becoming increasingly competitive.
Schumacher would replace British driver Jenson Button in the crew rotating at the wheel of the #38 car, giving him the opportunity to contest the entire 2026 WEC season at the wheel of one of the most competitive cars in the category. At the same time, he would work extensively in the Formula 1 simulator, ensuring he maintains a presence in the F1 paddock. Such an arrangement would carry advantages for both parties, keeping Schumacher involved at the top level of motorsport while allowing Cadillac to keep the second full-time Formula 1 seat available for another experienced driver to partner Sergio Perez.
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