Valtteri Bottas' 'Return' in Austin Leads to Cadillac Future

A humorous misidentification during FP1 in Austin saw Isack Hadjar's race engineer repeatedly mistake another driver for Valtteri Bottas, sparking a light-hearted exchange. This came as Hadjar, a Red Bull junior, is in contention for a 2026 F1 seat, while Bottas's name is increasingly linked with a potential move to Cadillac's F1 entry in the same year.

Why it matters:

This amusing anecdote highlights the intense focus on driver lineups and future prospects in F1, especially with major regulation changes on the horizon for 2026. For Hadjar, every session is a chance to prove his worth for a potential Red Bull seat. For Bottas, the mention, even in jest, underscores ongoing speculation about his post-Sauber career and the potential for new teams like Cadillac to enter the sport.

The details:

• During FP1 in Austin, Isack Hadjar's race engineer mistakenly informed him multiple times that Valtteri Bottas was approaching from behind.
• After the third mention, Hadjar humorously corrected his engineer, stating, "Stop with Bottas, mate. There is no Bottas on track."
• The engineer quickly apologized for the mix-up, and both shared a laugh over the radio.
• Isack Hadjar's Performance: The Racing Bulls driver finished FP1 in ninth place but failed to reach the top ten in Sprint Qualifying, bowing out in SQ2 with the twelfth-fastest time.
• Red Bull Rumors: Hadjar is a strong contender to partner Max Verstappen in 2026, with Red Bull expected to finalize its lineup decisions around the upcoming Mexican Grand Prix.
  • Yuki Tsunoda, another Red Bull junior, continues to struggle in comparison to Verstappen, potentially opening a door for Hadjar.
• Valtteri Bottas' Future: While the incident was a mistake, it coincidentally aligns with growing rumors linking Bottas to Cadillac's potential F1 entry in 2026, marking a significant career shift if it materializes.

The big picture:

The 2026 F1 season is poised for revolutionary regulation changes, making driver market decisions even more critical. Teams are evaluating both proven talent and promising young drivers. Red Bull's internal decision on who will partner Verstappen is one of the most anticipated, while new entrants like Cadillac could offer experienced drivers like Bottas exciting new opportunities.

What's next:

• Red Bull is expected to make a decision on its 2026 driver lineup, including Hadjar's potential promotion, by the Mexican Grand Prix.
• The F1 paddock will continue to buzz with speculation regarding new team entries, such as Cadillac, and where established drivers like Valtteri Bottas might land for the 2026 season and beyond. If the Cadillac deal solidifies, it would represent a significant new chapter for Bottas and the sport.