Valtteri Bottas emerges as leading contender to join Cadillac

Both drivers have been mentioned as options for the American project in recent months, with Perez often mentioned as a slightly preferred choice.

Considering the Mexican driver’s sponsorship value, the consensus that he was a favourite to join Cadillac had sound logic.

Indeed, the 6-time race winner is still firmly in the race to join F1’s newest entrant.

However, according to reports from Motorsport, Bottas has overtaken the former Red Bull driver in Cadillac’s 2026 shortlist.

The Finn is seen as very well-positioned to join the team led by Graeme Lowdon.

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.

The 35-year-old has made no secret that he intends to make an F1 comeback.

To a large extent, this desire motivated his decision to become a Mercedes reserve driver – which has kept him active in paddock discussions.

Should Cadillac determine that only one experienced driver is necessary for 2026, Bottas’ rise could be to the detriment of Perez.

This is not to say Cadillac could not sign both drivers – but it certainly alters the equation of this driver saga.

Other drivers in the race

Of course, Bottas is not the only driver being considered by Cadillac.

Among the younger drivers at the American team’s disposal are Zhou, Drugovich and Schumacher.

Zhou Guanyu generally held his own whilst in the same machinery as Bottas at Sauber.

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.

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.

Elsewhere, Felipe Drugovich should not be written off as a candidate for next season.

The Brazilian would have surely been frustrated to miss out on an appearance for Aston Martin in Canada. A strong weekend would have undoubtedly boosted his market value.

Still, Drugovich remains a plausible option for Cadillac – especially if they decide only one experienced driver is necessary.

As is often the case when a seat becomes available in the market, Mick Schumacher has been floated as an option.

There is nothing to suggest, at least for now, that the 26-year-old is a front-runner to secure a contract.

What does seem clear, however, is that at least one experienced driver will be a requirement for Cadillac in 2026.

Because of this, Valtteri Bottas can be quietly confident about his chances of making an F1 return.