In recent weeks, however, Bottas’ position in contract negotiations has reportedly strengthened.<\/p>\n
As Cadillac assess their options, the former Mercedes<\/a> driver is establishing himself as a strong option.<\/p>\n Thanks to the volatility of last year’s driver market, Cadillac have several ex-F1 drivers at their disposal for next year.<\/p>\n In terms of accolades and experience, Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez<\/a> are the biggest names available.<\/p>\n Both drivers have been mentioned as options for the American project in recent months, with Perez often mentioned as a slightly preferred choice.<\/p>\n Considering the Mexican driver’s sponsorship value, the consensus that he was a favourite to join Cadillac had sound logic.<\/p>\n Indeed, the 6-time race winner is still firmly in the race to join F1’s newest entrant.<\/p>\n However, according to reports from Motorsport<\/a>, Bottas has overtaken the former Red Bull driver in Cadillac’s 2026 shortlist.<\/p>\n The Finn is seen as very well-positioned to join the team led by Graeme Lowdon.<\/p>\n Considering his track record in F1, both at the front for Mercedes and in the midfield for Sauber, it isn’t difficult to see why Bottas is an attractive choice.<\/p>\n The 35-year-old has made no secret that he intends to make an F1 comeback.<\/p>\n To a large extent, this desire motivated his decision to become a Mercedes reserve driver<\/a> – which has kept him active in paddock discussions.<\/p>\n Should Cadillac determine that only one experienced driver is necessary for 2026, Bottas’ rise could be to the detriment of Perez.<\/p>\n This is not to say Cadillac could not sign both drivers – but it certainly alters the equation of this driver saga.<\/p>\n Of course, Bottas is not the only driver being considered by Cadillac.<\/p>\n Among the younger drivers at the American team’s disposal are Zhou, Drugovich and Schumacher.<\/p>\n Zhou Guanyu generally held his own whilst in the same machinery as Bottas at Sauber.<\/p>\n In addition to offering considerable sponsorship, he also brings three years of F1 experience – meaning he meets several of Cadillac’s preferences despite being relatively.<\/p>\n Graeme Lowdon, Cadillac’s team principal, is also a part of Zhou’s management team. In theory, this should boost the Ferrari reserve driver’s chances ahead of 2026.<\/p>\nWhy Bottas ticks all the boxes for Cadillac<\/h2>\n
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Other drivers in the race<\/h4>\n
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