‘Tremendous’ 43-race driver very confident of landing the second Cadillac seat alongside Sergio Perez

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Cadillac are beginning to narrow down their driver options ahead of their Formula 1 debut in 2026.

F1 Oversteer understands that, alongside Sergio Perez for next season, former Haas driver Mick Schumacher is very confident of a return to the grid.

When it was confirmed that Cadillac would be making their Formula 1 debut next season, a long list of drivers were linked with the American outfit.

However, as the season has progressed, that shortlist has narrowed, and now just a few viable candidates remain.

Perez appears set to be one of Cadillac’s drivers, after the Mexican lost his seat at Red Bull at the end of last year.

However, while many have suggested that Valtteri Bottas is guaranteed a Cadillac seat, that might be a slightly premature suggestion.

Instead, it appears as though Schumacher could be making a late charge for the role, having done an ‘incredible’ job, as per Bruno Famin via Autosport, in WEC over the past two seasons.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff also praised the ‘tremendous’ job Schumacher did, via Formula 1’s official website, as their reserve driver before his Alpine switch in 2024.

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

Mick Schumacher is very confident of Cadillac F1 seat alongside Sergio Perez

F1 Oversteer believes that Perez has been talking to Cadillac since day one, and the North American link is vital for Graeme Lowdon’s team.

Perez brings significant financial backing with him and a huge number of fans who will immediately back Cadillac if the 35-year-old is confirmed in one of their seats.

F1 Oversteer also understands that Mick Schumacher is very confident of making a Formula 1 return next year.

It’s been suggested that there is a good chance Cadillac will go forward with Perez and Schumacher, leaving Bottas on the sidelines once again.

The German driver, who competed in 43 Grand Prix with Haas, scoring 12 points, didn’t have the easiest time when racing for Guenther Steiner.

Steiner has since suggested Schumacher has a strong chance of racing for Cadillac next year, having previously dismissed his hopes of making an F1 return.

READ MORE: Who is Mick Schumacher? All to know about Michael Schumacher’s son

What Mick Schumacher has said about the possibility of returning to Formula 1

Schumacher has never hidden his desire to make a Formula 1 comeback at some point in his career.

Speaking to Motorsport in July when the Cadillac rumours were mentioned, he explained: “Yes, of course, discussions are ongoing. The communication has been very positive so far.

“They’ve already hired a fantastic number of people for it [the project].

“It’s an honour to be part of it, to negotiate with them, and a great position to be in.”

Lowdon previously confirmed talks with Schumacher were ongoing, but he also made it clear that there were plenty of other options available.

Schumacher was in the slowest car on the grid during his two previous seasons in Formula 1, and if he joins Cadillac, he’s likely to be in a similar position.

However, he’s far more experienced now, and that should help him and the American team should they ultimately offer him the chance to make a long-awaited return to the sport.