‘Top-line’ driver has emerged as Cadillac F1’s number one target if they want a youngster for 2026

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One of the most exciting aspects of the Formula 1 driver market is who Cadillac are going to sign as their two drivers for next season.

Cadillac will make their Formula 1 debut in 2026 and become the 11th team on the grid.

The timing of their entry coincides with the introduction of new regulations, which should benefit the American outfit.

The grid has converged to such an extent this season that a new team would quickly be left behind.

However, while Cadillac will hope to be immediately competitive, they’re already on the back foot in the driver market.

Mercedes and Racing Bulls are the only other teams that haven’t confirmed at least one of their drivers for 2026.

Cadillac have identified Valtteri Bottas as a leading candidate for one of their seats.

The Finn is currently Mercedes’ reserve driver this season, and Bottas posted a clip about Cadillac on his social media in the build-up to the Austrian Grand Prix, which has fuelled further speculation.

This could be bad news for Sergio Perez, who was linked with Cadillac earlier in the year, but several other names are emerging in team principal Graeme Lowdon’s search for two drivers.

One name beginning to gain traction is Aston Martin reserve Felipe Drugovich, with the former Formula 2 champion still searching for his first F1 appearance.

READ MORE: All you need to know about Felipe Drugovich from age to racing stats

Felipe Drugovich now Cadillac’s ‘first name’ as junior option for 2026 Formula 1 seat

A report from the Italian version of Motorsport has shared more details about Cadillac’s search for their first Formula 1 driver line-up.

They believe that if Cadillac want a young driver alongside a more experienced option, then 25-year-old Drugovich is the ‘first name’ they would consider.

Cadillac have spoken to Drugovich’s camp in the past as he continues in his role as Aston Martin’s reserve driver for the third successive campaign.

Both Drugovich and Bottas have turned down the chance to race in alternative championships to pursue a career in Formula 1.

Aston Martin were set to start Drugovich at the Canadian Grand Prix if Lance Stroll wasn’t fit enough to race after withdrawing from the race in Barcelona.

However, the Canadian recorded in record time to deny Drugovich his debut, although the Brazilian has starred whenever he’s been selected to drive in free practice.

The report believes that Cadillac is Drugovich’s ‘most concrete’ chance to become an F1 driver, with Aston Martin unlikely to promote from within to replace either of their drivers in the near future.

READ MORE: All to know about General Motors’ Cadillac F1 team from engine to drivers

Felipe Drugovich impressing behind the scenes at Aston Martin

Brazilian fans were chanting Drugovich’s name when Stroll got beached on the formation lap of last year’s race at Interlagos, and while Gabriel Bortoleto has given them a driver to support, the 25-year-old would be warmly welcomed onto the grid.

Drugovich has proved time and again that he deserves his shot in Formula 1, and Cadillac would be a fantastic option for him.

Aston Martin’s performance director, Tom McCullough, told GPBlog, among other outlets, when speaking about Drugovich last season: “He’s done over 6,000 kilometres with us in our test programme, and every single time he’s getting better and better.

“We’re walking him through qualifying, race simulations, and all the skills that you need to go racing.

“He does a lot of simulator work for us. A really, really strong simulator driver.

“I wasn’t at all surprised that he just sits in the car and does a top-line job.”

Cadillac are set to hold talks with prospective parties at the upcoming British Grand Prix.

Drugovich needs to make sure he’s near the top of their list of people to talk to.