As the year progresses, negotiations will advance and the team’s extensive shortlist will begin to shorten.<\/p>\n
Why Cadillac prefer to wait before making any signings<\/h2>\n
Despite their only being 20 seats available in F1 (set to become 22 next year), there is almost always some movement in the market.<\/p>\n
Red Bull, VCARB and now Alpine have all made driver changes already this season – which is barely two months old.<\/p>\n
Alpine’s latest signing, Franco Colapinto<\/a>, is only on a five-race contract.<\/p>\n Although predicting his long-term prospects at Alpine is very difficult, one thing is clear to see – there could be more surprises in the market this season.<\/p>\n Flavio Briatore’s leadership means Team Enstone will have no objection to making mid-season swaps, whilst other teams could make new signings heading into 2026.<\/p>\n In this environment, Cadillac know better than to rush a contract agreement.<\/p>\n The US outfit already have multiple drivers, including Valtteri Bottas, Sergio Perez, Zhou Guanyu, Colton Herta and Felipe Drugovich, under consideration.<\/p>\n Drugovich, who has spent several years as Aston’s reserve driver, will be eager to capitalise on a rare chance to join F1.<\/p>\n Whilst the options already available are enough for Cadillac to make a strong line-up, they are also conscious that new candidates could emerge.<\/p>\n Because of this, the drivers under consideration at the American outfit are always subject to change and evolve.<\/p>\n Last weekend in Miami, Cadillac held an event to celebrate their 2026 entry.<\/p>\n Alongside members of the media, the likes of Mick Schumacher were in attendance – a reminder that many drivers are in talks with the US outfit.<\/p>\n Mario Andretti<\/a>, who is a senior advisor, explained how contract negotiations are unfolding:<\/p>\n “First of all, a driver has to be available,”<\/em> he told Sky Germany.<\/p>\n “Experience plays an important role, and when you look at the available pool of drivers, you have to seize the opportunity as late as possible.<\/em><\/p>\n “Because you don’t want to miss out on any great opportunities.<\/em><\/p>\n “We know in the back of our minds who we’d like to have.<\/em><\/p>\n “But if a better opportunity arises, we don’t want to miss it. We can’t commit to anything yet.<\/em><\/p>\n “There are definitely a lot of interested drivers who would love to be on board.”<\/em><\/p>\n For a new team like Cadillac, there are many different assets they look for in a new driver.<\/p>\n One of the biggest qualities being sought after is experience, giving names like Sergio Perez<\/a> and Valtteri Bottas good prospects.<\/p>\n Sponsorship and marketability is another important dimension. In this area, many drivers can bring something to the table.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/05\/2209040499-1024x683.jpg\")
Andretti reveals Cadillac priorities<\/h4>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/05\/2209740995-1024x682.jpg\")
Numerous factors at play<\/h4>\n