Cadillac told which young talent they should take a ‘gamble’ on over Sergio Perez

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Cadillac are now less than six months away from their official debut as Formula 1’s latest addition to the grid.

They’re set to become the first team added to the entry list since Haas joined the sport back in 2016 in partnership with Ferrari.

It has been a long time waiting, but Cadillac finally seem ready to begin their journey at the start of the 2026 F1 regulations.

A whole host of ex and current Formula 1 drivers have been linked with them, but experience will be their best bet, given that they are starting from square one.

Cadillac risk making one big mistake by signing two older drivers to begin with. It could hurt any long-term visions they have for success.

After weeks of rumours, Cadillac could delay signing Sergio Perez in favour of waiting to see if Alpine release Franco Colapinto from his seat at the end of the year. There are so many possibilities.

READ MORE: F1 has left Cadillac with a ‘super difficult’ realisation that disadvantages their long-term plans

Jeroen Bleekemolen says Cadillac should ‘gamble’ on Leonardo Fornaroli over Sergio Perez for 2026

Cadillac are ‘talking about’ snubbing Perez, whose reputation has been somewhat restored after the struggles of Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson in Red Bull’s second seat this year.

Valtteri Bottas is the other name most intensely linked to their gig, and he would bring vital title and race-winning experience to their team.

However, Jeroen Bleekemolen believes that Cadillac should be taking a gamble on Formula 2 talent Leonardo Fornaroli to pair with Bottas.

“I think it’s a shame they didn’t put a young talent in alongside Bottas,” he said. “I think it’s a good choice, because he’s still really motivated. He didn’t leave Formula 1 because things were going well or anything. With Perez, I think he was a great talent, but I don’t think he’s quite that anymore.

“I think he has just gotten a bit older, and he’s just not a top talent. So, in a team like that, I’d rather put a young talent alongside him.

“What I would’ve done is Fornaroli, in Formula 2. That’s a gamble, but that guy is really good. Then you have a rookie, and he also makes mistakes. So it also costs, you might have a bit more damage now and then.”

READ MORE: ‘Super impressive’ driver told he would be Cadillac’s best option if they signed a current F1 rookie

What has Leonardo Fornaroli achieved on his path to Formula 1?

Currently competing for Invicta Racing in Formula 2 and leading the championship, Fornaroli is a decorated young talent.

He claimed the Formula 3 title in 2024, without winning a race, following an intense finale at the Italian Grand Prix.

However, he has flexed his ability to win this season, claiming three victories in his last six races. His championship lead stands at 17 points with four rounds to go.

Having finished outside of the points just twice all season, it’s clear that he has remarkable consistency for a 20-year-old.

Winning the Formula 2 title this year would see him join an elite group of back-to-back graduate winners, including Oscar Piastri and Gabriel Bortoleto.