General Motors is set to accelerate its Formula 1 preparations at this weekend’s 2025 Miami Grand Prix, as discussions intensify over who will lead the charge for the all-new Cadillac F1 Team in 2026 with a driver shortlist already drawn up.
With the American marque officially joining the grid that year, GM will send representatives to Hard Rock Stadium to hold talks regarding a five-driver shortlist — with Sergio Perez believed to be at the top of their list.
Cadillac has already secured Ferrari power units for its debut season, as well as for 2027 and 2028, while plans are underway for GM to produce its own engine from 2029. But while technical foundations are in motion, the identity of the team’s first driver pairing is yet to be confirmed.
According to Austrian outlet OE24, General Motors will use the Miami GP to explore its F1 shortlist of driver candidates for Cadillac, and Perez — released by Red Bull at the end of 2024 — is reportedly the leading contender.
The 35-year-old could bring immediate experience, valuable feedback, and sponsor support, including a newly secured deal with Heineken, which aligns well with Cadillac’s commercial goals.
Veterans and comeback hopefuls jostle for the second seat
While Perez appears close to a deal, the second Cadillac seat remains open. Former Sauber pair Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu are under consideration, with both drivers currently serving as reserve drivers for Mercedes and Ferrari respectively. Bottas, in particular, is believed to have already held informal talks with Cadillac.
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Another strong candidate is Mick Schumacher, who continues to pursue a return to F1 after his two-season stint with Haas. He currently competes in the World Endurance Championship with Alpine and has received growing praise for his performances. Cadillac Team Principal Graeme Lowdon has publicly acknowledged Schumacher as a “definite option,” though Alpine are also keen to retain the 26-year-old’s services.
Yet despite GM’s American branding, their dream to run a homegrown driver like Colton Herta faces a major hurdle. The Andretti-linked Californian has failed to accumulate enough FIA Super Licence points through his IndyCar results, currently sitting seventh in the standings and well off the pace needed to qualify for an F1 seat.
With Herta unlikely to meet Super Licence criteria in time, the door remains wide open for a European-based pairing. A veteran such as Perez or Bottas could lead the team, while Schumacher would provide youth and long-term potential — a combination GM may find difficult to ignore.
Driver decisions could hinge on Miami talks
The 2025 Miami Grand Prix may ultimately become the turning point for Cadillac’s F1 preparations. With both experienced Grand Prix winners and rising talents in the mix, GM’s decision could define the success of their debut campaign.
All eyes now turn to the paddock in Florida, where meetings are expected to solidify Cadillac’s direction for 2026. Should discussions progress smoothly, their first signing may be confirmed in the coming weeks — and based on current momentum, that signature could belong to Sergio Perez.
