Felipe Drugovich’s helmet fuels rumors of a move to Cadillac in Formula 1

Felipe Drugovich, currently a reserve driver for Aston Martin in Formula 1, stirred the motorsport world by posting a video hinting at a potential move to Cadillac, the team set to join the grid in 2026. The video, part of a promotional campaign for a luxury watch brand, featured a helmet with the Cadillac logo, sparking speculation about his future. The Brazilian, who won the Formula 2 championship in 2022, is among the candidates for a seat with the new American team, which aims to blend youth and experience in its lineup. The move comes amid rumors about other drivers, such as Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez, also being considered by Cadillac. With no clear path to a full-time seat at Aston Martin, Drugovich’s potential shift to Cadillac could mark a turning point in his career.

Posted on July 26, 2025, the video quickly gained traction on social media, with fans and analysts noting the helmet’s logo as a sign of advanced negotiations. Cadillac, already working with Drugovich in the IMSA SportsCar Championship, appears to be a natural fit for the driver. The paddock buzz suggests the American team is carefully planning its Formula 1 debut.

• Video highlights: The helmet prominently displays the Cadillac logo, a departure from Aston Martin’s usual branding.
• Context of the post: The Acto Watches ad emphasizes Drugovich’s journey and his pursuit of an F1 seat.
• Public reaction: Fans on X speculated about the move, with many believing Drugovich is ready for a leading role.

Cadillac, set to become the 11th team on the F1 grid in 2026, is in the process of finalizing its driver lineup, with negotiations that could reshape the sport’s landscape.

Drugovich’s Formula 1 journey

Felipe Drugovich, 25, hails from Maringá, Paraná, and has built a strong reputation in motorsport. After dominating Formula 2 in 2022 with five wins and a title secured three races early, he joined Aston Martin as a reserve driver. Despite his proven talent, Drugovich has not secured a full-time seat, overshadowed by Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll at the British team.

The Brazilian has competed in five free practice sessions (FP1) and three post-season tests with Aston Martin, including a standout second-place finish in FP1 at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. His consistent simulator work and testing with older cars, like the AMR21, highlight his readiness for F1.

• Key F2 achievements: Five wins, four poles, and 11 podiums in 2022.
• Aston Martin role: Stood in for Lance Stroll during 2023 pre-season testing in Bahrain.
• Other racing experience: Competed in the European Le Mans Series and IMSA with Cadillac.

With limited prospects at Aston Martin, Drugovich’s potential move to Cadillac offers a fresh opportunity for 2026.

Cadillac’s Formula 1 plans and expectations

Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 as the 11th team promises to boost competition and attract new fans, particularly in the United States. Replacing the initial Andretti project, the team will use Ferrari engines in 2026 and 2027 before developing its own power units by 2028. The driver lineup is a focal point, with Cadillac seeking a balance of experience and potential.

Valtteri Bottas, with his extensive experience at Mercedes and Sauber, is the leading candidate for one seat. Sergio Pérez, recently dropped by Red Bull, is also in contention, valued for his marketability. Drugovich, meanwhile, offers youth and familiarity with the Cadillac brand through his IMSA and WEC involvement.

• Cadillac’s strategy: Targeting drivers with a mix of F1 experience and growth potential.
• Drivers in contention: Drugovich, Bottas, Pérez, and Mick Schumacher are on the shortlist.
• Timeline: The team is expected to confirm its drivers by mid-2025.

Drugovich’s potential signing would appeal to the South American market, particularly Brazil, where Formula 1 enjoys a passionate fanbase.

Drugovich’s connection with Cadillac

Felipe Drugovich’s ties to Cadillac predate the F1 rumors. In 2024, he raced in the European Le Mans Series with Vector Sport and debuted at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Action Express Racing, a Cadillac-affiliated team. Despite a 15th-place finish in the Hypercar class at Le Mans, his performance was praised for its maturity. In 2025, Drugovich returned to Cadillac for the 24 Hours of Daytona, further strengthening his bond with the brand.

His experience in endurance racing gives Drugovich an edge, as he is already familiar with Cadillac’s operations and engineers. In an interview with TV Bandeirantes on July 26, 2025, the Brazilian confirmed ongoing talks with the team, noting that the list of candidates has significantly narrowed.

• Le Mans 2024: Drugovich raced with Pipo Derani and Jack Aitken in Cadillac’s #311 car.
• Daytona 2025 performance: Served as the fourth driver alongside Frederik Vesti and Jack Aitken.
• Band interview quote: “I’m happy to know I’m still on Cadillac’s candidate list.”

Drugovich’s prior collaboration with Cadillac could give him an advantage in securing an F1 seat.

Competition for Cadillac’s seats

The race for Cadillac’s seats is highly competitive, with several prominent names in the mix. Valtteri Bottas, with 10 F1 wins, is the frontrunner, offering experience and reliability. Sergio Pérez, with his global appeal and podium record, is another strong contender, particularly for sponsorship opportunities. Mick Schumacher, seeking a comeback after his Haas stint, is also considered, though his inconsistent F1 record may work against him.

Drugovich, while lacking F1 race experience, brings a compelling profile. His dominant Formula 2 title and versatility in Formula E and endurance racing demonstrate his readiness. Cadillac’s final choice will hinge on whether it prioritizes immediate experience or long-term potential.

• Valtteri Bottas: 10 wins, 67 podiums, and experience with top teams.
• Sergio Pérez: Global popularity and strong sponsor support from Mexico.
• Mick Schumacher: Recognizable name but less consistent in F1.
• Felipe Drugovich: Young, versatile, and already tied to Cadillac.

The team’s decision will shape its impact on Formula 1’s competitive landscape.

Fan and paddock reactions

Drugovich’s video sparked significant buzz on social media, with Brazilian fans celebrating the prospect of a compatriot on the F1 grid. Comments on X praised his talent and expressed frustration over his lack of opportunities at Aston Martin. Some fans humorously suggested he could “double as a reporter” due to his frequent promotional appearances without race starts.

In the paddock, speculation about Cadillac intensified, particularly after Drugovich’s absence from a recent team statement about Le Mans. Sources close to the driver denied this signals a final decision, but the silence fueled rumors of his focus on F1. The driver market for 2026 remains dynamic, with Cadillac at its core.

• X reactions: Fans lauded the helmet design and urged for Drugovich’s F1 chance.
• Paddock speculation: His absence from Cadillac’s Le Mans statement was linked to F1 priorities.
• Brazilian support: Fans see Drugovich as a hope for Brazil’s return to the grid since Felipe Massa in 2017.

Drugovich’s potential move to Cadillac reignites hopes of seeing a Brazilian in Formula 1, a milestone not achieved since 2017.