Valtteri Bottas Positioned as Front-Runner for Cadillac F1 Team Seat
Valtteri Bottas, the reserve driver for Mercedes Formula 1, is emerging as a prominent candidate for a race seat with Cadillac Racing as the team prepares to enter the 2026 championship. Senior leadership, including team principal Graeme Lowdon and TWG Group head Dan Towriss, are set to attend the British Grand Prix, where they aim to finalize contracts with prospective drivers.
Cadillac plans to secure its first driver within weeks, while negotiations for the second seat may extend into September. Initially, Sergio Perez appeared to be the leading candidate, but Bottas has gained momentum following Perez’s recent inactivity, making him a serious contender for a full-time return to F1 after his departure from Sauber at the end of last season.
Bottas’s interest in joining Cadillac has been underscored by a recent social media post, where he humorously interacts with a Cadillac SUV, drawing attention to potential driver seats. He stated, “What a nice seat… both seem free,” signaling his eagerness to engage with the expanding team.
If Cadillac opts for a mix of experience and youth, Felipe Drugovich is another name under consideration. Currently Aston Martin’s reserve driver, Drugovich is losing traction within his existing team and is likewise seeking opportunities for a full-time seat.
With the potential of Bottas and Drugovich deemed favorable, Cadillac’s decision will likely hinge on a balance of veteran experience and emerging talent, setting the stage for significant developments as the team readies for its debut in the upcoming F1 season.
