Colton Herta is reportedly in contention to replace Valtteri Bottas at Cadillac for the 2027 Formula 1 season. Cadillac Team Principal Marcin Budkowski has declined to confirm the team’s driver lineup for next year. This stance leaves Bottas’s position under review despite his current long-term agreement with the American outfit.
Cadillac, making its Formula 1 debut in 2026, entered the season with an experienced driver pairing of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez. The team is currently utilising Ferrari power units, with its own General Motors power unit project slated for 2029.
Marcin Budkowski assumed the role of Team Principal in August 2026, succeeding Graeme Lowdon. Budkowski’s appointment followed a planned leadership transition as Cadillac progressed beyond its initial build phase.
Sergio Perez is widely expected to retain his seat for 2027. Sources indicate Perez is on a two-year deal with an option for a third. Budkowski has praised Perez’s motivation and contribution to the team’s inaugural season.
Perez has generally demonstrated stronger race performance compared to Bottas during the 2026 season. While qualifying battles have been close, Perez holds a 13-9 advantage in their head-to-head record.
Valtteri Bottas’s position has drawn scrutiny following a challenging 2026 campaign. His performance at the Singapore Grand Prix, where he finished significantly behind Perez due to brake management issues, highlighted recent struggles.
Colton Herta, 26, transitioned from IndyCar to Formula 2 for the 2026 season. This move was intended to secure the necessary FIA Super License points and gain Formula 1 experience.
Herta’s Formula 2 season has been difficult, with the American currently placed 19th in the standings with 26 points from 23 starts. He has not achieved a podium finish in the series.
Despite his F2 results, Cadillac has continued to provide Herta with Formula 1 mileage. He has participated in four Free Practice 1 sessions this year, including appearances in Barcelona, Budapest, Monza, and Austin.
Herta also completed private F1 testing in an Alpine car at Portimao. He requires 40 Super License points for an F1 race seat and is currently one point short.
Cadillac plans to give Herta another FP1 session before the end of the season to help him reach the 40-point threshold. A previous FP1 outing at Monza did not count towards his points due to a technical issue preventing him from completing 100km.
Cadillac has consistently expressed a desire to feature an American race driver, provided the individual earns the opportunity on merit. Herta remains a prominent candidate for this role.
Beyond Herta, other drivers have been linked to a potential Cadillac seat. Yuki Tsunoda, a Red Bull reserve driver, has had his representatives contact the team regarding a 2027 opportunity.
Esteban Ocon, who will depart Haas at the end of the current season, has also had his management approach Cadillac. Ocon maintains a professional relationship with Marcin Budkowski from their time at Alpine.
However, reports from The Race indicate that Ocon will not join Cadillac in either a race or reserve capacity. Liam Lawson’s management team has also engaged in exploratory discussions with Cadillac.
Cadillac’s decision for its 2027 driver lineup hinges on two primary factors: whether to alter its current pairing and whether Colton Herta secures the necessary Super License.
Marcin Budkowski stated in Austin: “This is the last place I would comment on driver contracts, and in general, I think it’s not something that is done in the press. It’s something which will be done by official releases from the team when the time is right.”
The team’s long-term project includes developing its own power unit for 2029, with its engine facility in Charlotte, North Carolina, scheduled to open in December.
