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Sergio Perez’s team may be left unhappy with Cadillac 2026 F1 driver decision
Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images

Cadillac look set to make a call in the Formula 1 driver market as they prepare for their debut in 2026

Graeme Lowdon has been taking his time, weighing up different options and speaking with several drivers.

The British team principal has been regularly spotted at race weekends, where he networks to help complete Cadillac’s team for next season.

Sergio Perez has been one of the drivers most often linked with the team.

F1 Oversteer was the first to report earlier this year that Perez was Cadillac’s top target for the upcoming season.

His experience stands out, especially considering how much Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda have struggled this year.

James Hinchcliffe is hoping Cadillac go with Perez, but it appears that Valtteri Bottas will be named their first driver soon. That decision might not sit well with Perez’s camp, who had a specific request regarding his role if he joined the team.

Sergio Perez’s camp reportedly unhappy with Cadillac’s F1 2026 driver plans


Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images

Fox Sports AU has provided more insight into Cadillac’s driver search, shedding light on the situation surrounding Perez.

The decision facing the team is whether to go with two experienced drivers or follow Sauber’s approach by pairing Bottas with a younger teammate.

Gabriel Bortoleto’s performances alongside Nico Hulkenberg are likely to give hope to drivers like Felipe Drugovich and possibly even Mick Schumacher, as they look to secure a seat for next season.

Tsunoda’s agent has reportedly been in contact with Cadillac, given that his future with Red Bull is far from certain.

The report adds that “Pérez’s camp is rumoured not to wa nt to be the second driver on the list” and are pushing for a deal soon.

Concerns have also been raised about potential delays in reaching an agreement between Perez and F1’s new team, especially if other candidates enter the frame late in the process.

Zhou Guanyu, Jack Doohan, and even Paul Aron could all be considered for the second seat at Cadillac.

If Bottas is confirmed in the coming days, Perez might suddenly find himself under increased pressure regarding his return to Formula 1.

Sergio Perez deal was previously denied by Cadillac for F1 2026< /h2>

Given Perez’s immense fanbase, Cadillac should consider announcing any potential deal before the Mexico City Grand Prix in late October.

He would bring significant sponsorship, although with General Motors behind them, that might not carry much weight with Lowdon’s team these days. They do not need him in quite the same way as other teams have before them – or now.

Cadillac previously denied Perez’s recruitment, but a future deal remains possible. It is logical that his representatives sought to be Cadillac’s primary option, given the team’s indecision on the number of experienced personnel desired. 

If Bottas’ consistent presence in the paddock over the last half-year has given him an advantage in negotiations, the 35-year-old might be questioning his decision to distance himself from Formula 1 since leaving Red Bull.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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