James Hinchcliffe, F1 presenter and former IndyCar driver, believes Gabriel Bortoleto is the top rookie choice for Cadillac's 2026 F1 debut.Why it matters: Cadillac is set to join F1 as the 11th team in 2026. While big names like Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez are often discussed, Hinchcliffe champions a promising young talent for a potential rookie slot.The big picture: Cadillac, backed by General Motors, is actively preparing for its F1 entry, with operations in Silverstone and Indiana. Driver selections are crucial for their inaugural season.The details: Hinchcliffe highlighted Bortoleto's exceptional performance in his rookie season, particularly given his car's limitations.* "Bortoleto has been super impressive because that car is not great."
- He's currently outperforming Nico Hulkenberg, known for his qualifying prowess, with an 8-6 record.
- Bortoleto consistently converts strong qualifying into solid race performances, citing Austria and Hungary as examples.
- Hinchcliffe also praised Bortoleto's background, emphasizing his journey from humble beginnings, needing to win to advance his career.What they're saying: When asked to pick the most impressive rookie for Cadillac, Hinchcliffe firmly stated, "Of the four that are out there now? Yeah, probably [Bortoleto]."By the numbers: Bortoleto currently holds 17th place in the drivers' standings with 14 points.