Mario Andretti has offered an insight into Cadillac’s plans (Image: Getty)
A number of F1’s recently axed stars will be rubbing their hands after Mario Andretti confirmed that the new team will look to bring in an ‘experienced driver’ alongside a premium American talent for their first season in the sport.
Andretti, who is an advisor on the project that once bore his name, has been open with the media about the driver line-up plans within the General Motors-back operation and has now offered clues as to how their pairing could look in 2026.
“You mentioning candidates, he’s (Colton Herta) definitely one that’s considered,” he told NBC News. “From our standpoint, I think the play at the beginning would be to have one experienced driver – nationality doesn’t matter – and then a young American talent. These are the objectives at the moment.”
Cadillac’s pool of possible recruits is shallow when it comes to young American talent. IndyCar star Herta is the standout option, given his prior interest from AlphaTauri in 2023 and his long-running connections to the Andretti operation.
Herta’s team-mate Kyle Kirkwood could be a compelling candidate if he can turn the tide and beat his IndyCar team-mate in 2024. Jak Crawford may also throw his name into the hat if he can start the Formula Two season in fine form. has recent F1 experience but is unlikely to be seriously considered.
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Valtteri Bottas would be a compelling option for Cadillac (Image: Getty)
As for the experienced team-mate, there are a number of recently axed F1 stars who will have their eyes on the opportunity. Valtteri Bottas, and will be the leading contenders after dropping off the grid at the end of the 2024 campaign.
Given his adoration for American culture and historic success in the sport, ’s name has also been circulated. Still, the eight-time Grand Prix winner has distanced himself from a return to F1 after a miserable season with Racing Bulls last term.
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Bottas, Perez, and Magnussen all have extensive F1 experience, although if all three are interested, the Finnish driver could have the upper hand. The 35-year-old is the only one of the trio who will be in the paddock regularly in 2025 after re-joining as a test and reserve driver.
As for Perez, he must first decide whether he wants a return to F1 in any capacity. The Mexican racer was demolished by team-mate last year, and has indicated that he will make a verdict on his retirement in the coming months.