Sebastian Vettel’s protégé among candidates for Cadillac’s debut lineup in 2026. Sebastian Vettel backs Mick Schumacher for a potential F1 return with Cadillac.

Cadillac’s entry into F1 opens the door to new (and old) drivers: Sebastian Vettel is backing one of his protégés. The German, who in recent weeks has been linked to a consultancy role at Red Bull, has clear ideas. Among the many candidates for the two seats at the American team—currently, the favourites appear to be Sergio Perez and Zhou Guanyu—the former Ferrari driver chooses his man: Mick Schumacher.

Formula 1 is preparing to welcome a new team. Two additional cars on the starting grid that will not only provide more spectacle and unpredictability but also offer two new seats in the world’s most coveted motorsport series. The new Power Unit developed by General Motors is already being tested. Until 2029, however, the American team will be powered by Ferrari.

The project is unlikely to be immediately competitive, and whoever signs a contract with Cadillac will need to do so with a long-term vision. It is certain that the Stars and Stripes team is looking for at least one very experienced driver. Being “American” is not essential: the team is searching for a driver capable of developing the car, paired with a promising prospect.

Sergio Perez, Zhou Guanyu and… Mick Schumacher
The two names most often linked to General Motors and Cadillac are Sergio Perez and Zhou Guanyu. The Mexican, who is also in contact with Alpine, seems almost certain to be on the grid next season. The situation of the former Sauber driver is more complex, though he enjoys support from both American management and Ferrari, for whom he is currently the third driver.

If one of these two names loses ground, another former F1 driver may step in. Rumours suggest that Mick Schumacher’s camp is also working on a deal with the new team. A move strongly supported by Sebastian Vettel, who has always fully backed Michael Schumacher’s son: “He’s now a much more mature driver,” he told Sport.de.

“He’s doing a great job with Alpine in endurance racing. It would be really nice if he got a second chance with Cadillac. I wish him all the best. We stay in touch, and I know how things ended for him in Formula 1. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that he gets his second chance—I firmly believe he can keep up with the other drivers.”