Sebastian Vettel hopeful that Cadillac will sign Mick Schumacher

Mick Schumacher is the latest driver to emerge as a contender at Cadillac ahead of the 2026 season. Schumacher is understood to be in negotiations with the US outfit as they consider their options.

As it stands, the former Haas driver is not seen as a favourite to secure a contract with Cadillac.

Other more experienced names, such as Sergio Perez, are in relatively stronger positions as talks advance in the background.

Still, the volatility of the market at least gives Mick Schumacher a fighting chance.

According to Sebastian Vettel, the 26-year-old is deserving of another chance in F1 to showcase his progression.

Vettel wants to see Schumacher comeback

In the years following Vettel’s retirement from F1, there were rumours about the 4-time Champion making a return.

At one stage, reports circulated that a comeback with Audi could be a possibility – though that no longer appears a possibility.

Vettel’s exit left Nico Hulkenberg as the only German on the grid, with Mick Schumacher still working to engineer a full-time contract.

Until recently, it cannot be said Schumacher was mentioned as a front-runner to join Cadillac for 2026.

Although he is still not among the favourites, he is at least understood to be on the US outfit’s shortlist.

His appearance at Cadillac’s launch event in Miami sparked suggestions of a potential opening with the American outfit.

Furthermore, it has been reported that Schumacher’s team and Cadillac held talks at the Miami GP.

Whilst details of these negotiations are unknown, at least some level of mutual interest has been established.

Speaking in an interview, Sebastian Vettel argued that Mick Schumacher could perform well in F1.

“He is much more mature,” he told Sport.de.

“And I think he is doing a very good job at Alpine in the World Endurance Championship.

“It would be nice if he gets a second chance at Cadillac.”

Mick Schumacher’s Cadillac chances

At present, there are two drivers that could alter the current state of play concerning Cadillac F1.

The first is Sergio Perez, whose experience and sponsorship make him a valuable asset in the market.

Perez is among the biggest names linked to Cadillac, and could very well join the team in 2026.

However, the Mexican driver is also being linked with other teams on the grid.

This means, despite well-established interest, there is no certainty that the 35-year-old will join the US project.

Elsewhere, Colton Herta’s fortunes in IndyCar could impact his eligibility for a SuperLicense.

Currently 9th in the standings, he faces un uphill battle to make himself available for F1 in 2026 – which obviously has implications at Cadillac.

Of course, even if Herta manages to secure the necessary license points, his IndyCar form might be insufficient in convincing Cadillac he deserves a contract.

Should these two drivers – albeit for very different reasons – not sign with the American team, it would create an opening for others.

This does not necessarily mean that Schumacher would be the main beneficiary.

Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu are also options for Cadillac, each bringing a combination of assets to the table in discussions.

Still, Schumacher should at least be monitored as the F1 driver market develops.