With only a few months remaining before its official debut in the FIA Formula One World Championship, the American manufacturer Cadillac appears to be getting closer to revealing the identity of its very first Formula 1 driver. The long-awaited announcement could arrive very soon, potentially around the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, which is scheduled for the first Sunday of August.
For the newly formed Cadillac Formula 1 team — which will enter the championship as the eleventh team on the grid — confirming its first driver is now a strategic priority. The team needs to finalize its driver lineup as soon as possible, especially to begin intensive simulator development work ahead of the 2026 season. Any further delays could jeopardize their preparedness for pre-season testing, which will be crucial in laying the foundation for their inaugural F1 campaign.
According to the latest developments, the driver expected to be announced first is none other than Sergio Perez. The Mexican driver, who previously raced for Red Bull Racing, could make a return to the Formula 1 grid just one year after his departure from the Milton Keynes-based team. If confirmed, this would be a major signing for Cadillac, bringing immediate visibility and credibility to the new entry.
The addition of Sergio Perez would not only help attract valuable sponsors, thanks to the strong commercial appeal and loyal fan base he carries, particularly from Mexico and Latin America, but also provide Cadillac with a wealth of experience. His insights and knowledge would be essential in helping the team navigate its first season in the ultra-competitive world of Formula 1.
This move would also clarify why Cadillac is targeting other experienced drivers for the second seat. Among the names being considered are Valtteri Bottas, Mick Schumacher, and Zhou Guanyu — all of whom bring solid race experience and technical feedback capabilities. The likelihood of pairing Sergio Perez with a rookie is reportedly decreasing, as the team seems intent on building a solid foundation with a duo of seasoned drivers to accelerate its growth and competitiveness from the outset.
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