Former Sauber driver Valtteri Bottas recently uploaded a video on social media hinting at a possible switch to Cadillac in the 2026 F1 season. The team, which is set to join the grid as the 11th one, has not yet revealed its driver lineup for its debut season.
This has raised quite a few speculations around the Paddock. Considering they’re an American outfit, Cadillac is expected to have at least one driver of American nationality. However, considering it will be their first season in the sport, they would need an experienced driver as well. But, the team has not dropped any hints regarding the same.
Amidst this, Valtteri Bottas dropped a clip on his social media account. He could be seen walking up to a Cadillac road car, inspecting the seat.’ He was complimenting it. He captioned the video “Do we like this seat?” Many feel that the ‘seat’ here refers to a possible signing with Cadillac for next season.
There have been other candidates for the seat as well, including the likes of Mick Schumacher, Sergio Perez, and Bottas’s former teammate, Guanyu Zhou. However, it is difficult to say if Cadillac would decide upon any of these drivers.
What makes Valtteri Bottas a suitable candidate for the Cadillac seat?
Valtteri Bottas has over a decade’s worth of experience under his belt. His stint with Williams Racing between 2013 and 2016 wasn’t very impressive. However, his move to Mercedes changed his career for the better. He won multiple races in the 2017 season right after his move, and the trend continued until he left them at the end of the 2021 season. He clinched many podiums and earned himself a strong place within the team with Lewis Hamilton.
As mentioned, the team could use his experience behind the wheel. Moreover, his consistent performance through the years is also a testament to what Cadillac would be attempting to achieve in its first F1 season. The team isn’t expected to perform very strongly. But, with good and consistent drivers, they can get a strong base to build up from.
Even if Bottas is signed, the team’s second driver is still a mystery. IndyCar Series driver Colton Herta is considered to be a strong candidate; however, it’s not yet confirmed. At the same time, there are other drivers who could potentially be signed by Cadillac as well.
