Cadillac leaves 2027 driver announcement for later after Austin talk
NXTbets Pro | Published On: October 24, 2026
Cadillac driver plans
Cadillac team principal Marcin Budkowski left the team’s 2027 Formula 1 driver plans unresolved at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, declining to give a direct answer when asked about Sergio Perez, Valtteri Bottas and Esteban Ocon. He would not confirm that Perez and Bottas are locked in, and he said any official announcement on the lineup will come from the team later. Budkowski also said he will not discuss contracts publicly. He said he has received calls from drivers and managers on the market. For now, Budkowski’s public message is that the decision is still in process and that the team will set the timing of the announcement itself.
Perez Bottas picture
Budkowski did give a limited read on the names drawing the most attention. He described Perez as motivated and experienced and said different drivers push Cadillac in different ways. Those comments offered a glimpse of what the team values, but they stopped short of turning the discussion into a confirmation. Perez and Bottas remain central figures in the conversation around Cadillac’s first Formula 1 lineup. Cadillac’s approach leaves the most prominent names unconfirmed while the team prepares its announcement.
Herta American chase
Cadillac’s owners want an American race driver in place as soon as possible, and Colton Herta remains a candidate after another FP1 run at Circuit of the Americas. Herta picked up another Super License point in Austin, lifting his total to 38 and leaving him one point short of the FIA requirement. Herta said he wants to be in Formula 1 as soon as possible, and he added that he hopes to have a clearer picture of his future in the next few weeks. He also said he felt increasingly comfortable and competitive in the car. Budkowski widened the American conversation beyond Herta, pointing to emerging prospects Ugo Ugochukwu and Sebastian Wheldon as names Cadillac is watching. Ocon was also discussed, with Aston Martin a more likely destination for him. Cadillac is still gathering information, and the American angle remains part of the team’s plans.
