Cadillac is currently evaluating its driver line-up for the 2027 Formula 1 season. Team Principal Marcin Budkowski has declined to confirm whether Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas will retain their seats. This comes as development driver Colton Herta is two points shy of securing his FIA Super Licence.
Budkowski stated during the United States Grand Prix weekend that any contract announcements would be made through official team channels. He did not provide guarantees regarding the continuity of the current pairing.
Sergio Perez is widely expected to continue with Cadillac. He has been the stronger performer for the team during the 2026 season. Perez has also actively pushed the team for performance improvements.
Valtteri Bottas’s position appears less secure. Performance disparities have been noted, with Perez leading Bottas 13-9 in qualifying. Perez also holds a 13-4 advantage in race finishing positions.
Bottas experienced a particularly challenging Singapore Grand Prix. He was reportedly lapping 1.5 seconds slower than his teammate without a clear explanation.
Colton Herta, 26, is Cadillac’s test and development driver. He moved from IndyCar to Formula 2 for the 2026 season. His objective was to accumulate the necessary Super Licence points.
Herta currently possesses 38 Super Licence points, requiring 40 for eligibility. He earned 35 points from his 2023-2025 IndyCar campaigns. This includes 30 points for finishing runner-up in 2024.
His four Free Practice 1 (FP1) outings with Cadillac in 2026 contributed three additional points. These were gained at Barcelona, Budapest, and Austin. He completed over 100km in each of these sessions.
An FP1 appearance at Monza did not yield a point. Herta completed only 25km during that session. A minimum of 100km is required to earn a Super Licence point.
Contrary to some reports, Herta will not lose 30 points from his 2024 IndyCar season at the end of 2026. Super Licence points are assessed over a three-calendar year period. FP1 points are cumulative and not tied to calendar years.
Herta’s 2026 Formula 2 campaign has been underwhelming. He is currently 19th in the standings. This position will not provide sufficient Super Licence points.
To secure his Super Licence this year, Herta requires two more FP1 sessions. Each session must involve completing at least 100km. The Mexico City Grand Prix is the next logical opportunity.
Cadillac CEO Dan Towriss has previously indicated a desire to place Herta in a race seat. This aligns with the team’s ambition to develop an American Formula 1 driver.
Esteban Ocon’s management has also reportedly contacted Cadillac. Ocon is seeking a new opportunity following his departure from Haas.
Cadillac entered Formula 1 in 2026 with experienced drivers. The team’s focus has been on learning and improving reliability. They are also preparing for a General Motors power unit introduction in 2029.
“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 is also establishing its American engine factory. This facility is scheduled to open in December 2026.
