Unpacking Cadillac’s Bold Decision: Why Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez Were Chosen Over American Drivers for F1 2026

Mick Schumacher, the talented son of F1 legend Michael Schumacher, is in the spotlight again, but not for the reasons fans hoped. Recently, it was announced that Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez will be driving for Cadillac when the iconic American brand joins Formula 1 in 2026. Some fans are wondering why Schumacher wasn’t one of the selected drivers.

While Schumacher’s name was rumored to be on a list of potential candidates, team principal Graeme Lowdon emphasized there was never a formal list. Other names considered included Franco Colapinto, Zhou Guanyu, Felipe Drugovich, Jack Doohan, Frederik Vesti, and Jak Crawford. Instead of a list, it feels more like a casual browsing of options.

Bottas and Perez bring significant experience and stability to the Cadillac team. They are known for their ability to work well with teammates, which is vital in a sport where collaboration is key. Bottas, for example, has a good reputation for being dependable, even if he has had a few mishaps, like his collision with Perez during the 2021 Hungarian GP.

Cadillac did its homework before choosing its drivers. CEO Dan Towriss shared insights into their decision-making. They looked at both drivers’ past performances and how they handled their previous teams. Bottas has a solid track record, and Perez, despite facing challenges at Red Bull, has a strong fan following and commercial appeal.

Interestingly, this raises questions about American representation in F1. While Jak Crawford was indeed considered, there are concerns about pushing young talent into such high-pressure roles too soon. There’s hope that drivers like Crawford will excel in Formula 2, but if not well-guided, they might struggle as seen with other young drivers transitioning from F2 to F1.

In contrast, experienced IndyCar drivers like Alex Palou and Pato O’Ward also express interest in F1. Both have proven their mettle in IndyCar but have yet to secure F1 opportunities. This highlights a broader issue with American drivers, who often follow a European racing path from a young age.

Ultimately, Cadillac’s choice reflects an emphasis on proven experience over potential, recognizing that F1 requires not just skill but also the ability to adapt and thrive in a team environment.

For more insights on the evolving driver market in Formula 1 and Cadillac’s entry, you can check out more detailed analyses from trusted sources like Motorsport.com.

Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images

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