Cadillac's 2026 F1 Reserve Driver Spot Remains Open, Says Lowdon

Cadillac's 2026 F1 Reserve Driver Spot Remains Open

Why it matters: Cadillac's highly anticipated Formula 1 debut in 2026 is approaching, and while its race and test drivers are secured, the crucial reserve driver position remains open, with team principal Graeme Lowdon confirming the search has not yet begun.

The big picture: The General Motors-backed team has already confirmed an experienced race lineup, with Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas locked in for their maiden season. IndyCar star Colton Herta has also been signed as a test driver, leaving the final piece of the driver lineup puzzle — the reserve driver — still to be determined.

Details:

• Lowdon confirmed to F1.com that Cadillac has not "started looking" or "made any offers to anybody, for any reserve position with the team."
• He added that this is now the position the team will "turn our attention to" to help complete the lineup.
• Merit, Not Nationality: Lowdon has consistently emphasized that Cadillac's recruitment strategy will prioritize driver merit over nationality, despite speculation about a push for American drivers.
  • "We'll select drivers on merit. Having a driver on merit doesn't mean you can't have an American passport as well. We've got a lot to choose from," Lowdon explained earlier this year.
  • For U.S. fans hoping to see a homegrown racer, the door remains open but not guaranteed. Ferrari, as the team's initial power unit supplier, might also want to express its view on the topic.
• Timing Advantage: Unlike many rivals, Cadillac missed the intense 2025 driver market scramble. Lowdon sees this as a potential upside.
  • "We weren't able to participate in the last round of driver negotiations, so we're out of sync with a lot of other teams. But there's some advantages to that as well. There's a lot of very good drivers available at the minute."

What's next: The upcoming decision for the reserve driver role will be a key step in shaping Cadillac's inaugural F1 season. With an experienced race pairing and a promising test driver already on board, the team aims to build a "strong" overall driver lineup.