Cadillac has played down rumours linking Ferrari junior Rafael Camara with a 2027 Formula 1 seat, although CEO Dan Towriss stopped short of completely ruling out a future change to the team’s driver line-up. At the same time, Cadillac has strongly backed Sergio Perez amid speculation linking the Mexican with Williams, with Towriss insisting he expects Perez to remain with the American team.
Cadillac has been one of the main talking points during Formula 1’s summer break. The American team made the surprise decision to replace Graeme Lowdon as team principal with Marcin Budkowski, while speculation over its 2027 driver line-up has also intensified.
Cadillac responds to Rafael Camara 2027 rumours
One of the names most frequently linked with Cadillac in recent weeks has been Rafael Camara. The reigning Formula 3 champion currently sits third in the Formula 2 standings and is regarded as one of the leading prospects within the Ferrari Driver Academy.
The connection has inevitably attracted attention because Cadillac currently uses Ferrari power units in its MAC-26. Rafael Camara’s status within Ferrari’s junior programme could therefore offer an obvious link between the two organisations if Cadillac eventually decides to introduce a younger driver.
Speculation has also been fuelled by Valtteri Bottas’ performances, which have so far failed to make a particularly strong impression. Ferrari, meanwhile, has been assessing different routes to give Rafael Camara an eventual Formula 1 opportunity, with Cadillac emerging as one possible alternative if a Haas seat is unavailable.
However, speaking during the press conference surrounding Marcin Budkowski’s appointment, Dan Towriss attempted to cool the speculation.
“It’s a great question, whether a younger driver can come in and push the team. It’s certainly something that we think about. We’ve got two experienced drivers that we’re very happy with, that are pushing the team, and we’ll continue to push them.”
Dan Towriss then addressed the recent reports more directly.
“I know there’s been some of the rumours out there with some of the young drivers. They’re not substantiated, so that’s not something I would focus on. We’re not focused on that at the moment.”
Dan Towriss refuses to completely rule out a Cadillac driver change
Despite dismissing the current Rafael Camara reports, the Cadillac CEO deliberately avoided making an absolute commitment to an unchanged driver pairing for next season.
“I’ll throw the caveat, though. It’s Formula 1, and things can always change. There are no changes planned at the moment for ’27, but things can always change.”
That qualification leaves Cadillac with flexibility. Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas were deliberately chosen for the team’s debut Formula 1 campaign because of their extensive experience, giving a new organisation two drivers capable of providing detailed technical feedback while the team establishes its working methods.
However, the situation could evolve as Cadillac enters its second season. If the team eventually decides that one of its seats should be used to develop a younger driver, Rafael Camara would fit the profile of a highly rated prospect with strong links to Cadillac’s current power unit supplier.
Cadillac also dismisses Sergio Perez-Williams speculation
Valtteri Bottas has generally been viewed as the driver more vulnerable to a potential change, but Sergio Perez has also appeared in recent Formula 1 market speculation. Reports have suggested that the Mexican’s management has held talks with Williams, although any potential opening there could depend on Carlos Sainz leaving Grove.
Carlos Sainz’s own future has been the subject of considerable attention, with reports suggesting that his Williams contract contains an exit mechanism linked to a possible 2027 move.
Marcin Budkowski was asked about Sergio Perez shortly after taking charge of Cadillac and stressed how valuable the Mexican’s experience is to a young Formula 1 organisation.
“Checo has been a valuable asset for the team, as both drivers have been, to be honest, because there has been a lot of discussion about the decision to run two very experienced drivers, but I think for a young team like this it is crucial to have that experience and stability.”
“If you have a rookie driver and the entire team is learning at the same time, there are too many variables. So I think it is important to have a driver like Checo on board.”
Cadillac confident Sergio Perez will remain with the team
Dan Towriss went even further in dismissing the Williams speculation, making clear that Cadillac expects Sergio Perez to remain central to its project.
“I’m absolutely confident that Checo is going to remain with Cadillac and we’re not distracted by the Williams rumours for a second. We’re very confident in the relationship that we’ve established here and I’m certain you’re going to see him behind the wheel of the Cadillac F1 car.”
For now, Cadillac’s official position is therefore clear. There are no planned driver changes for 2027, the team remains satisfied with the experience Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas provide, and the reports surrounding Rafael Camara are considered unsubstantiated.
But Dan Towriss’ repeated reminder that “things can always change” ensures the situation is not completely closed. With Rafael Camara continuing to build his reputation in Formula 2, Valtteri Bottas under pressure to deliver stronger performances and the wider 2027 driver market still developing, Cadillac’s line-up is likely to remain a subject of interest throughout the second half of the season.
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