The Cadillac F1 Team is set to join the grid in 2026, and there have been a ton of rumours about who the American team will choose for their driver lineup. Names such as Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas have been mentioned often, but a new name is emerging.
Alpine reserve driver, Jack Doohan, who was replaced by Franco Colapinto after six races this season, has emerged as a name to watch.
Jack Doohan meets with Cadillac during the British GP
PlanetF1.com reported that Jack Doohan met with Cadillac F1 Team Principal Graeme Lowdon in Silverstone during the British Grand Prix.
The two were also previously sighted speaking in Monaco, just two races after Doohan was replaced by Franco Colapinto, further suggesting these are serious conversations.
Doohan was put under a lot of pressure in his rookie season. Ever since Alpine signed Colapinto as their reserve driver for 2025, there has been speculation about how long Doohan would last.
In the season opener, Doohan crashed on the first lap of his home grand prix. He would go on to finish the next four races, but couldn’t quite get his Alpine into the points. After a lap one collision with Liam Lawson in Miami, Doohan was shown the door in favour of Colapinto.
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Many think Doohan was treated unfairly, especially with Colapinto not performing any better over his first six races. Luckily for the Australian, it looks like he might have a chance to return to the grid next season.
What does this mean for Perez and Bottas?
Recent reports suggested that Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas were the favourites for the two Cadillac seats, but it now appears they have some serious competition.
If Cadillac want experience, these two are their best bet. Perez has entered 281 Grand Prix, winning six and finishing on the podium 39 times. On the other hand, Bottas has entered 246 grand prix, winning 10 and finishing on the podium 67 times.
As of now, it appears Perez’s only option for a 2026 seat is with Cadillac. The same is not true for Bottas, though. There are reports that Mercedes’s reserve driver is also being eyed by Alpine as a potential replacement for Franco Colapinto if they decide to make a change at the end of the season.
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It’s very likely Cadillac goes with at least one of Perez or Bottas to give them an experienced driver to help stabilise the team in year one. However, if they want a young driver they can nurture and potentially retain long-term, Doohan could be the best available option.
