Ferrari academy graduate is now considered a ‘certainty’ to race for Cadillac in 2026

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Cadillac insist that signing drivers isn’t their priority as they prepare for their Formula 1 debut in 2026. But a fierce competition is taking place among the pool of available candidates.

Cadillac want to ensure they make it to next year’s Australian Grand Prix with a respectable package. They’ve all but ruled out signing an active driver, so they know they can afford to wait.

For F2 stars, F1 team reserves and axed drivers, their arrival could be a lifeline. The consensus is that Cadillac want a steady veteran alongside a youngster who can stay long-term.

Talk of the American brand signing a US driver has now cooled. Colton Herta, who’s been linked most strongly, currently lacks the necessary superlicence points.

Sergio Perez to Cadillac is now seen as guaranteed

Since Cadillac’s entry to F1 was confirmed, the race for the veteran driver slot has swung back and forth between Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas. But it sounds like the former may be about to prevail.

According to a report from F1-Insider, Perez is ‘considered a certainty’ for the 11th team. His array of sponsors are ‘expected to pave the way’ for his arrival.

Cadillac contacted Perez as soon as he became available for 2026. He received a lucrative pay-off from Red Bull as they backed out of his contract at the end of a miserable season.

Perez, a graduate of the Ferrari driver academy, has experience racing with the Italian manufacturer’s engines from his days at Sauber (2011-12). He also represented McLaren and Force India/Racing Point before his move to Red Bull, which delivered five Grand Prix victories.

Could Cadillac sign two drivers axed by Red Bull?

Fellow Mexican racing driver Pato O’Ward was sure Perez would make an F1 comeback after he saw him training. His reputation suffered significantly in his final year at Red Bull, but that will give him extra motivation.

Intriguingly, Yuki Tsunoda’s agent has spoken to Cadillac about a 2026 seat too. Tsunoda is out of contract at the end of the year and Red Bull aren’t expected to renew his deal.

He’s struggled even more than Perez alongside Max Verstappen. But Cadillac could reunite two of the Dutchman’s former teammates, should they take their interest in the Japanese driver further.

Meanwhile, Bottas could join Alpine as an immediate replacement for Franco Colapinto. That clears the way for Perez to seal his comeback at Cadillac.