Cadillac, the newest Formula 1 team set to join the grid in 2026, is keeping its driver lineup under wraps but has sparked interest by eyeing Mick Schumacher, son of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, as a potential reserve driver. Sources within motorsport circles indicate the American team, entering as the 11th team on the grid, is prioritizing seasoned drivers like Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas for its race seats while viewing the 26-year-old German as a strategic fit for the reserve role. This move marks Cadillac’s ambitious entry into F1, the first grid expansion since Manor’s exit in 2016, backed by General Motors and led by racing legend Mario Andretti. Schumacher, currently competing in the World Endurance Championship with Alpine, could find a pathway back to the F1 paddock through this role.
Schumacher’s credentials make him a compelling choice. A Formula 2 champion in 2020, he raced for Haas in 2021 and 2022, earning a best result of sixth in Austria. His experience and iconic surname add value to Cadillac’s debut, balancing youth with technical insight gained from his time as a Mercedes reserve.
Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 is a calculated step, with the team focusing on building a competitive car before finalizing its drivers. Led by Graeme Lowdon, formerly of Marussia, the team is leaning toward veterans like Pérez, with six wins across 14 seasons, or Bottas, with 10 victories in 246 races, to ensure a strong debut. Mick Schumacher’s role as a reserve would involve testing and development, leveraging his time at Mercedes, where he contributed to car setup and race strategies in 2023 and 2024.
The team, powered by Ferrari engines, is also exploring a dual role for Schumacher, potentially combining his F1 duties with continued participation in endurance racing alongside Jota Sport, Cadillac’s partner in the WEC. This flexibility could keep him race-ready while supporting the team’s long-term goals.
Mick Schumacher entered Formula 1 with Haas in 2021 after clinching the Formula 2 title. His stint was challenging, with an uncompetitive car limiting his results, though he scored 12 points in 2022, including eighth in Britain and sixth in Austria. Despite losing his seat after that season, he stayed active as Mercedes’ reserve, gaining insights into high-level team operations. In 2025, racing for Alpine in the WEC, he secured three podiums, proving his resilience and versatility.
His consistent presence in the F1 paddock, attending races like Austria and Silverstone in 2025, underscores his commitment to a comeback. Cadillac’s interest offers a fresh opportunity to rebuild his F1 career, starting in a supporting role with potential for more.
Cadillac’s arrival in Formula 1, backed by General Motors and TWG Motorsports, which oversees Andretti’s operations in IndyCar and Formula E, is a significant milestone. Mario Andretti, the 1978 F1 champion, leads the project, bringing credibility and vision. The team has already hired two-thirds of its staff and is developing its car for the 2026 Australian Grand Prix, the season opener.
While Pérez and Bottas are frontrunners for race seats, Schumacher’s name dominates reserve role discussions. Other drivers like Zhou Guanyu, Felipe Drugovich, and American Jak Crawford have been linked, but Schumacher’s F1 experience and Mercedes background give him an edge. Cadillac’s interest in a U.S. driver like Colton Herta persists, though superlicense issues may delay such a move.
The Schumacher name is synonymous with Formula 1 excellence, thanks to Michael’s seven titles and 91 wins. Mick, while still carving his own path, showed promise in junior categories, winning Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles. His Haas tenure was tough, but his potential remains evident. Cadillac sees him as more than a driver—a figure who can elevate the team’s profile and attract global attention.
Joining Cadillac, even as a reserve, could position Schumacher for a long-term F1 return. Unlike his Haas days, where he faced a struggling team, Cadillac’s resources and ambition offer a stronger platform. His role could mirror that of Bottas at Mercedes, where reserves often transition to race seats.
The 2026 driver market is heating up, with Cadillac at its core. Pérez and Bottas are strong contenders for race seats, but Schumacher’s reserve role keeps him in the conversation for future opportunities. Other names, like Yuki Tsunoda, Jack Doohan, and Paul Aron, are less prominent, while Drugovich and Zhou bring their own credentials. Cadillac’s interest in a U.S. driver like Crawford aligns with its American identity, but experience is the priority for now.
Mario Andretti has emphasized nurturing local talent, but acknowledges the challenges of inexperience in F1. Schumacher, with his blend of youth and track time, fits the team’s vision of balancing immediate competitiveness with future growth.
At 26, Mick Schumacher has time to rebuild his F1 career. A reserve role with Cadillac would keep him in the paddock, offering opportunities to contribute through testing and simulator work. His WEC performances show he can handle high-pressure racing, and his Mercedes stint polished his technical skills.
If Cadillac confirms him, Schumacher could target a race seat by 2027 or 2028, especially if the team progresses quickly. The combination of General Motors’ backing, Andretti’s leadership, and Ferrari’s engines creates a promising environment for him to shine.
Cadillac’s 2026 entry marks a turning point for Formula 1, which hasn’t seen a new team since 2016. With new engine and chassis regulations, the season will reshape the sport. Cadillac’s methodical approach, backed by General Motors and Andretti’s expertise, positions it for success. For Mick Schumacher, this could be the chance to redefine his F1 legacy, starting as a reserve but with eyes on a bigger role.
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