Cadillac will officially join the Formula 1 grid in 2026.
There are plenty of major decisions to be made before they line up for their maiden race in Melbourne – arguably, none more important than the selection of their two drivers.
Will F1's 11th team go for experience, young talent, or a mix of both?
The Sporting News looks at some of the leading contenders.
MORE: Full F1 2025 season schedule
Who will drive for Cadillac F1? Potential candidates
Sergio Perez
Red Bull have struggled for consistency with their second seat since Perez was dropped at the end of 2024.
Was he performing better than a lot of people were giving him credit for?
The Mexican is available and has over a decade of F1 experience under his belt.
In mid-July, Autoevolution reported that Perez is likely to join Cadillac, with the move to be announced in August.
The deal is also understood to be backed by Mexican businessman Carlos Slim.
Colton Herta
As an American manufacturer, having an American driver makes a lot of sense.
California-born Herta has been linked with F1 outfits over the years, signing a development contract with McLaren in 2022.
He has thrived in IndyCar since, finishing second in the championship in 2024.
Notably, Cadillac board of directors member Mario Andretti declared late last year that one of the team's two seats would "most likely" go to Herta, although they intend to keep their "options open".
Valtteri Bottas
Bottas' name continues to be mentioned as Cadillac's debut season nears.
The Finn posted a video on social media in June, making some cheeky references to the team, sparking further rumours.
As a 10-time F1 race winner, the current Mercedes reserve driver would be a reliable pick.
Álex Palou
Palou has dominated IndyCar in recent years, taking out the 2021, 2023, and 2024 championships.
After doing some F1 testing with McLaren, the highly-rated Spaniard signed a contract with the team in 2023, but later decided he didn’t want to join their IndyCar squad.
He hasn't been linked with F1 since, although his talent and winning record would justify giving him a seat.
Zhou Guanyu
China's first-ever F1 driver spent three seasons with Alfa Romeo (later Sauber) before being shown the door at the end of 2024.
His best race result was 8th, which he achieved twice.
The 26-year-old has remained in the paddock as Ferrari's reserve driver and would be a solid option for Cadillac, particularly with his sponsorship potential.
Pato O'Ward
As McLaren's current reserve driver, O'Ward has participated in F1 practice sessions annually for a few years.
The Mexican also holds a full-time seat in IndyCar, finishing on the championship podium in 2021.
"They [Cadillac] haven’t reached out, but if they do, I’m definitely answering their call," he said earlier this year.
Daniel Ricciardo
The likeable Australian hasn't been near the paddock since his unceremonious F1 exit in Singapore last year.
Ricciardo's form never truly returned after switching from Red Bull to Renault, but he would be a relatively trustworthy option for the grid's newest team.
His marketability cannot be overlooked, either.
Jack Doohan
Doohan was rotated out of his Alpine seat just six races into the current season, with reserve Franco Colapinto promoted for the next five races.
The team said they would "assess" their options ahead of the British Grand Prix, but there is no indication that Doohan will return to the grid.
If he doesn't regain the seat, he could be a consideration for Cadillac despite his underwhelming start to life in F1.