Mick Schumacher’s dream of a cockpit on the new Formula 1 team Cadillac has burst. In 2026, the US racing team will start with the Mexican Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas (Finland). The announced Cadillac, which in the future will be an eleventh team, shortly after the summer break.
Schumacher had confirmed contacts with Cadillac in mid -July. “Yes, talk talks”the 26-year-old said the specialist portal “Motorsport.com”.
Cadillac was represented with its own team for the first time in 2026 and relies on Ferrari engines, later American engines are to come from the parent company General Motors. Numerous drivers have been traded for the two cockpits for months, and Schumacher’s name also fell again and again.
Schumacher initially very hopeful
Communication with the decision -makers is “Very positive” The German said and spoke of an honor to lead negotiations. This is already “A great position”. In the end, however, the favorites were awarded the contract.
Both Perez and Bottas have a lot of experience: Bottas (246 Formula 1 starts) celebrates its 36th birthday in a few days, Perez (281) will also be 36 years old at the beginning of the 2026 season.
Perez also brings money
The six-time Grand Prix winner Pérez had taken a break this year after he had had to leave Red Bull after a long low 2023. In addition to his experience, the veteran also brings several million US dollars from private sponsors.
Bottas had driven for the clean team last year before returning to Mercedes as a replacement driver.
Cadillac relies on experience
Perez spoke of one “Great honor”Cadillac is a “Legendary name in American motorsport.” Bottas commented similarly: “This is not just a racing project, but a long -term vision. You don’t have the chance every day to be in the development of something completely new.”
So far, both pilots had contested their last Formula 1 race at the 2024 season finale in Abu Dhabi. “The commitment of two very experienced racing drivers is a clear sign of our intentions”said team boss Graeme Lowdon and added: “You have already seen everything and know what it takes to be successful in Formula 1.”
Schumacher has been without a cockpit since the end of 2022, at that time he had to give up his place at the Haas team. Since then there have been opportunities for various teams, but ultimately they always opted for other pilots.