Cadillac is preparing for its Formula 1 debut, and driver announcements are eagerly awaited. While an experienced driver is expected to fill one seat, the second spot remains a mystery, with Mick Schumacher among the contenders.
Why it matters
Mick Schumacher, with 43 F1 starts, has been open about his desire to return to the sport. His potential involvement with Cadillac, even in a reserve role, could offer a pathway back to the F1 paddock while allowing him to continue his successful World Endurance Championship (WEC) career.
The details
- Schumacher's F1 background: He competed for Haas in 2021-2022 and served as a reserve and development driver for Mercedes in 2023-2024.
- Cadillac's interest: The team is reportedly considering Schumacher for a reserve and development driver position, not a full-time race seat.
- WEC success: Schumacher has found success in WEC with Alpine, securing three podium finishes. This dual program could be appealing.
- Potential WEC shift: If Schumacher joins Cadillac's F1 setup as a reserve, he might also switch his WEC drive to Cadillac Team Jota, potentially replacing 2009 F1 champion Jenson Button in the #38 V-Series.R.
- Team Jota's strength: Cadillac Team Jota is a top WEC team, having achieved pole position at this year's Le Mans 24 Hours and a recent victory at the São Paulo 6 Hours.
What's next
This arrangement would be mutually beneficial. Cadillac F1 could leverage Schumacher's experience gained at Mercedes, while Schumacher could maintain proximity to F1 alongside his promising WEC career with a top team. He would likely race alongside Earl Bamber and Sebastien Bourdais in WEC.