Esteban Ocon has emerged as a possible option for Cadillac as the French driver searches for a way to remain on the Formula 1 grid in 2027, while Valtteri Bottas is reportedly coming under increasing pressure over his seat.
The development follows the announcement that Rafael Camara will race for Haas from 2027. The Brazilian is set to replace Ocon, whose relationship with the team has become increasingly strained following an inconsistent start to the season.
Esteban Ocon searching for another Formula 1 seat
Ocon, now 30, has no intention of allowing the loss of his Haas drive to bring his Formula 1 career to an end. The Frenchman has already made clear that he intends to look for another seat in the championship rather than considering alternatives outside F1.
The problem is that most teams already have their driver line-ups in place. Formula 1 contracts can change quickly, however, and the situation at Cadillac could potentially create an opening.
Valtteri Bottas comes under pressure at Cadillac
Valtteri Bottas is currently the driver facing the most scrutiny. Cadillac has not been among the strongest cars on the grid, but the Finnish driver’s performances have also been below expectations.
Bottas had previously enjoyed the confidence of Graeme Lowdon, but the team is now operating under a different leadership structure. Martin Budkowski, the current team principal, knows Ocon well from their time working together at Alpine.
That existing relationship could become significant if Cadillac decides to reconsider its driver line-up.
Report claims Bottas contract is major obstacle to change
According to Auto Motor und Sport, the principal reason Bottas remains in his seat is a lucrative contract that would be expensive for Cadillac to terminate.
The wider Formula 1 driver contract situation remains a crucial factor in determining how quickly opportunities can open up on the grid.
At the same time, Ocon’s experience, talent and aggressive approach could potentially bring value to a Cadillac team that has spent months at the back of the field.
For Ocon, joining Cadillac would represent a significant step backwards compared with his previous Formula 1 opportunities, but with few vacancies currently available, remaining on the grid may take priority over the competitiveness of the seat.
Cadillac could offer Ocon a route to stay in F1
No move has been confirmed, and Bottas remains under contract with Cadillac. The possibility of Ocon replacing him therefore depends on whether the team is prepared to make a change and absorb the financial consequences of ending the Finnish driver’s agreement early.
Nevertheless, with Ocon now needing a new home for 2027 and his previous working relationship with Budkowski providing an existing connection, Cadillac has emerged as one of the few realistic possibilities for the Frenchman to extend his Formula 1 career.
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