The announcement that Cadillac will enter Formula 1 in 2026 was met with immense excitement. American motorsport fans were particularly excited to hear an American team would be joining the grid. A natural hope followed: an American team would field an American driver.
However, the reality of modern F1 suggests this is highly unlikely. The reason boils down to a simple truth that the team’s primary objective is winning, not nationalism.
The driver Cadillac is looking for
Cadillac’s entry to 2026 is a partnership with the Andretti Global outfit. Their application to join the grid was a drawn-out process, which was rejected before finally being accepted to join in 2026. This will be the first time in a decade that Formula 1 will have eleven teams racing in a season.
The difficulties Cadillac faced mean that it must hit the ground running against its entrenched, billion-dollar rivals. Any team in Formula 1 requires drivers who provide a combination of proven elite talent and the ability to collaborate with the team to develop a car. This is especially the case for a new team like Cadillac.
BREAKING: Cadillac confirmed as 11th team on the 2026 F1 grid#F1 pic.twitter.com/V5eoWfQCYX
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 7, 2025
Next season will see the introduction of the 2026 regulations that bring sweeping changes. Navigating this development adds a further layer of complexity to finding the right drivers for the new team. It will require drivers with a history of communicating with engineers, interpreting complex data and providing feedback that shapes a car’s fundamental character.
These are skills that are honed over multiple seasons in the Formula 1 paddock. Therefore, the most valuable assets for the new Cadillac team will be seasoned veterans, who can immediately lead the technical charge, rather than investing in young potential.
It comes as no surprise that drivers like Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas have been linked with the currently vacant Cadillac seats. They have a combined 527 race starts and 16 wins between them. These two drivers would certainly fit the bill for Cadillac.
Homegrown driver not necessary for U.S. appeal
There have been over 50 American drivers in Formula 1 history, including the two World Championship winners Mario Andretti and Phil Hill. However, there has been a lack of star-spangled success in recent times.
As of 2024, Andretti is the last American to win a Formula 1 Grand Prix in 1978. The most recent drivers, Scott Speed and Logan Sargeant, only raced for two seasons each and failed to consistently finish in the points.
The pool of American drivers with the preferred profile is largely non-existent for both Formula 1 in general and Cadillac’s requirements. Whilst there are talented American drivers in different motorsports like IndyCar, the crossover has proven challenging for Americans.
However, an American driver is not necessary for Formula 1 and Cadillac’s commercial success in the United States. Formula 1 recently unveiled its 2026 calendar, featuring three races on American soil: Miami, Austin and Las Vegas.
Save the date 🔒
Presenting the 2026 Calendar 🗓️
24 races across the world to crown our champion 🏆#F1 #Formula1 pic.twitter.com/4xe7e8MPM6
— Formula 1 (@F1) June 10, 2025
The American audience has already demonstrated its passion for the sport. This increased visibility for an American team on home soil will only help build the American fan base.
The crowds won’t be able to resist cheering for the American team against the likes of Ferrari and Mercedes. The nationality of the driver behind the wheel is a secondary concern compared to the spectacle of an American manufacturer fighting at the pinnacle of motorsport.
Cadillac’s priority is fielding a competitive team that can consistently score points and support the development of the car. From there, the team can eventually fight for championships. When that foundation is solid, the opportunity for a future American star may naturally emerge.
