Cadillac Racing’s team principal Marcin Budkowski has maintained a cautious stance regarding the team’s driver lineup for the 2027 Formula 1® season. Speaking during the 2026 United States Grand Prix weekend, Budkowski avoided giving definitive answers about the future of Valtteri Bottas’s seat, leaving room for ongoing speculation about the team’s plans and potential driver changes.
Both Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas currently hold multi-year contracts with Cadillac, structured as one-plus-one options, meaning the second year is subject to team approval. While Perez’s motivation and experience have been praised by Budkowski, the future of Bottas remains uncertain amid performance disparities and discussions within the paddock. The team principal acknowledged receiving inquiries from several drivers and their management but declined to disclose any specifics about potential signings or contract renewals.
Cadillac’s ownership has expressed a clear interest in having an American driver in a race seat in the near future. This ambition has put the spotlight on young American talents such as Colton Herta, who has participated in free practice sessions but currently lacks a superlicence by a narrow margin due to recent FIA rule changes. Other promising American drivers like Ugo Ugochukwu and Sebastian Wheldon are also progressing through the junior ranks, though no official decisions have been made regarding their promotion to the Formula 1® grid.
Esteban Ocon is considered an unlikely candidate to join Cadillac due to past conflicts with Sergio Perez, and he is expected to take on a role as Aston Martin’s third driver. Meanwhile, the team’s recent management changes reflect the high expectations from General Motors and TWG Motorsports, emphasizing the importance of strategic decisions around the driver lineup.
Budkowski’s reluctance to confirm any driver lineup details keeps the situation open, particularly concerning Bottas’s contract renewal or replacement. The team principal’s comments underline the complexity of balancing contractual obligations, performance considerations, and the desire to integrate American talent into the squad.
While Colton Herta’s Formula 2® results have been mixed, his involvement in practice sessions indicates Cadillac’s interest in assessing his readiness for a full-time race seat. The team continues to monitor several options without committing to a final decision, maintaining flexibility as the 2027 season approaches.
Cadillac Racing’s approach to its driver lineup highlights the challenges of managing contracts and expectations in a competitive environment, especially with the added dimension of promoting national talent. Budkowski’s cautious remarks during the United States Grand Prix weekend reflect the ongoing evaluation process, with no firm announcements expected in the immediate term.