While there is still a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 Formula One calendar coming up, some people are already switching their focus toward 2026.
It’s set to be a season of change, with a different set of regulations that focus on a lighter and more agile design to the overall car, as well as a switch to the power unit.
On top of that will be a new look on the grid, as Audi takes over from Sauber, while an 11th team will be introduced: Cadillac.
A whole new team means an opportunity to sign some drivers for the upcoming season, offering a chance to some forgotten stars or those who are up-and-coming in Formula 2.
So, with that said, here’s a look at five drivers Cadillac should look to sign for the 2026 F1 season.
Sergio Perez could make F1 return with Cadillac move
Sergio Perez enjoyed four years at Red Bull Racing, often playing as the second seat to Max Verstappen in some of their best performance packages in recent history.
The Mexican star was often overshadowed by his teammate, but he did have plenty of consistent performances before a difficult 2024 season.
While he is still a free agent, it could be quite a coup for a new team like Cadillac to land an experienced race-winner like Perez.
It remains to be seen what offers will be on the table for the 35-year-old, though, who could have interest from elsewhere when the usual seat swaps endure at the end of the season.
Valtteri Bottas could add more experience to Cadillac’s driver ranks
Cadillac may be looking to make an impact early on, cementing themselves in a competitive place on a debut season to get the ball rolling.
Experienced drivers can help bring some consistency that newer stars may not have as they encounter new problems or challenges.
While Perez is one who is available, so too is Valtteri Bottas.
The Finnish ace is well-known from his time at Mercedes, where he spent four years with the team and encountered plenty of success.
After leaving Sauber in 2024, Bottas has spent 2025 as a reserve driver for Mercedes, but he has made it clear that he would be open to a return to the fray as a main driver.
For Cadillac, adding the experience of Bottas could put them in safe hands for one of the seats, while potentially looking at some younger options.
Felipe Drugovich could finally get F1 chance with Cadillac
Looking at the younger options on the driver market, Felipe Drugovich could be one that Cadillac may hand an opportunity to.
The 25-year-old won the 2022 Formula 2 championship, but has since been in the Aston Martin driver development programme.
With his debut still to come, Cadillac could pounce to land Drugovich and finally hand him that opportunity in F1 he will be craving for.
Zhou Guanyu can reunite with Graeme Lowdon at Cadillac
Graeme Lowdon is the team principal for Cadillac and he will be the main person with the final say on his driver lineup.
The 60-year-old most recently played a part in managing Zhou Guanyu during his time at Sauber, which came to an end in 2024.
The Chinese star is now the reserve driver for Ferrari, but he could be a dependable option with plenty of room for growth.
Given the relationship that is already there between Lowdon and Zhou, it could be the basis for a good start to life at Cadillac.
Cadillac could pounce on Kimi Antonelli’s contract uncertainty
There is an interesting series of developments ongoing at Mercedes, where uncertainty remains over their driver lineup for next season.
Both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli have a contract that expires in 2025, with rumours circulating over their future.
Max Verstappen has been linked with a move to Mercedes in a potential surprise twist, while it’s unclear who will stay and who will go.
While it’s highly unlikely that someone like Russell would move to a new team like Cadillac, there could be a real coup with Antonelli.
He is a young star who has shown flashes of real brilliance throughout the season and his contract uncertainty could make him available.
While it’s an unlikely move, it would be a real statement for Cadillac to land someone like him.