Daily News 19

Tag: Cadillac F1 team

  • Cadillac Recruits Technical Leaders from Red Bull and Ferrari for Long-Term Development

    Cadillac Recruits Technical Leaders from Red Bull and Ferrari for Long-Term Development

    Key Highlights:

    • Cadillac F1 Team appoints three senior technical leaders from Red Bull, Mercedes, Aston Martin, and Ferrari ahead of their debut season.
    • Craig Skinner (Red Bull), Eric Blandin (Mercedes/Aston Martin), and Tim Lean (Ferrari/Red Bull/McLaren) will join in coming months to lead development and aerodynamics.
    • Team Principal Marcin Budkowski says the hires mark a “vital step in the technical evolution” toward long-term championship ambitions.

    Cadillac F1 Bolsters Technical Leadership with Championship-Pedigree Hires

    Cadillac Formula 1 Team has announced a trio of high-profile senior technical appointments, signaling a decisive move to accelerate the organizational maturity of the sport’s newest entrant. The American manufacturer, which is contesting its inaugural season in 2026, confirmed that Craig Skinner, Eric Blandin, and Tim Lean will assume critical leadership roles spanning vehicle development, aerodynamics, and simulation in the coming months. The recruitment drive targets proven race-winners from the sport’s most successful recent operations, including Red Bull Racing, Mercedes, Aston Martin, and Scuderia Ferrari.

    Skinner, Blandin, and Lean Bring Decades of Front-Running Experience

    Craig Skinner arrives as Chief Development Engineer after a 20-year tenure at Red Bull Racing, where he served as Chief Designer during the squad’s dominant constructors’ championship campaigns from 2021 through 2024. His remit at Cadillac will focus on strengthening the linkage between concept, design, analysis, and delivery. Leading the aerodynamics group, Eric Blandin joins from Aston Martin, where he held the Deputy Technical Director title, following an extended spell at Mercedes as Chief Aerodynamicist. Completing the trio, Tim Lean takes the role of Chief Engineer – Aerodynamics Modelling and Simulation. Lean’s background includes five years as Principal Aerodynamicist at Ferrari, alongside prior senior positions at McLaren and Red Bull Racing.

    Budkowski Frames Appointments as Foundation for Long-Term Competitiveness

    The appointments follow the earlier transition in team leadership, which saw Marcin Budkowski replace Graeme Lowdon as Team Principal. Budkowski, who has held senior technical roles at multiple championship-winning outfits, framed the latest hires as a structural necessity for a team building its capability from the ground up.

    “The Cadillac Formula 1 Team today announced three senior technical appointments that mark an important milestone in the continued technical evolution of the organisation, strengthening leadership across vehicle development and the broader aerodynamics function.

    “These key appointments underscore Cadillac Formula 1 Team’s commitment to developing the technical depth, collaboration and accountability required to support its long-term ambitions in Formula 1. They will all join the team in the next few months.”

    “These appointments represent a vital step in the technical evolution of the team,” added Budkowski. “Bringing together experienced leadership across development, aerodynamics and modelling will help us create a stronger integrated technical organization and improve performance on track.

    “Craig, Eric and Tim bring race and championship-winning experience to Cadillac F1 in areas that are central to our long-term development.”

    Why This Matters

    For a new entrant, the speed at which operational capacity is built determines the trajectory of on-track performance. Cadillac’s strategy mirrors the approach taken by other successful late-era entrants—most notably the Brawn GP/Red Bull lineage—where securing deep technical authority early allows the team to bypass developmental dead ends. The specific blend of expertise—Red Bull’s integrated car concept methodology via Skinner, Mercedes/Aston Martin’s aero philosophy via Blandin, and Ferrari’s simulation rigor via Lean—suggests Cadillac is attempting to synthesize the best practices of the current top four constructors into a single technical framework. With the 2026 regulation overhaul introducing new power unit and chassis rules, the window to establish a competitive baseline is narrow; these hires, arriving months before the first race, indicate Cadillac intends to hit the ground with a mature technical structure rather than a developmental one.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When will the new technical leaders officially join Cadillac F1?

    The team statement confirms that Craig Skinner, Eric Blandin, and Tim Lean will all join “in the next few months,” positioning them to contribute ahead of the 2026 season launch.

    What specific roles will each appointee hold?

    Craig Skinner is appointed Chief Development Engineer; Eric Blandin becomes Head of Aerodynamics; and Tim Lean takes the title Chief Engineer – Aerodynamics Modelling and Simulation.

    How does this fit with the recent Team Principal change?

    Marcin Budkowski replaced Graeme Lowdon as Team Principal earlier in the team’s formation phase. Budkowski, who has championship experience at multiple teams, directly endorsed the new technical hires as a “vital step” toward building an integrated, high-accountability technical organization capable of sustained front-running performance.

  • ‘Bit of a shock to the system’: Budkowski shares first impressions leading Cadillac F1 team

    ‘Bit of a shock to the system’: Budkowski shares first impressions leading Cadillac F1 team

    Key Highlights

    • Marcin Budkowski returns to Formula 1 as Cadillac Team Principal after a two-year absence, replacing Graeme Lowdon ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix.
    • Budkowski describes the return as “a bit of a shock to the system” due to the sport’s intense pace and technical complexity, particularly the sensory overload of 12 radio channels on the pit wall.
    • Despite Cadillac remaining the only team without points in their maiden season, Budkowski identifies short-term reliability and long-term performance development as clear priorities.

    Budkowski Re-Enters F1 Paddock With Cadillac Appointment

    Former FIA and Alpine executive Marcin Budkowski has assumed the role of Team Principal at Cadillac Formula 1 Team, marking his return to the sport after a two-year hiatus. The Polish engineer and manager, who previously held senior positions at Prost, McLaren, Alpine, and the FIA, took the helm just before the Dutch Grand Prix at the end of August, succeeding Graeme Lowdon. His appointment comes at a critical juncture for the American squad, which is navigating its inaugural season as the only entry on the grid yet to score a championship point.

    Adjusting to the “Shock” of F1’s Relentless Pace

    Speaking during Friday’s teams’ press conference ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, Budkowski offered a candid assessment of his first weeks back in the paddock. He acknowledged that the transition from media roles with Eleven Sports Poland and Viaplay back to the operational coalface has been jarring.

    “What hits you first is the pace of F1, which I knew well but a few years out of the sport and it’s a bit of a shock to the system because it’s incredibly fast-paced, technical and hard-working, especially when you start in a new team and new project,”

    Budkowski said. He also highlighted the immediate sensory challenge of returning to the pit wall.

    “The other thing is the first time I sat again on the pit wall in FP1 in Zandvoort and I had 12 channels blasting in my ears. It took me a little bit of time for my brain to get used to it.”

    Leadership Philosophy: People Over Processes

    Despite the technological and operational intensity, Budkowski insists the core tenets of leadership remain unchanged. He emphasized that building a competitive outfit ultimately relies on human capital and organizational alignment rather than purely technical solutions.

    “But the reality is, if you bring it back to the essentials and basics, it’s about people, it’s about building the team. It’s about putting the right people in the right positions, getting everybody to work together and in terms of leadership, give them a vision and align everybody in that direction. That hasn’t changed.”

    Assessing Cadillac’s Maiden Season: Progress Amid Struggles

    Cadillac’s debut campaign has been defined by a lack of pace and reliability, with Valtteri Bottas’ 13th-place finish in the Chinese Grand Prix standing as the team’s best result to date. However, after overseeing three race weekends, Budkowski expressed encouragement regarding the internal culture and structural foundations laid under difficult circumstances.

    “I’ve seen a lot of good things in the team, and it’s pretty impressive given the time they had to build the team and conditions with the entry and everything. A lot of good things, there’s no legacy compared to some other teams. There’s a lot of open-minded, constructive discussions going on but there’s also a number of shortcuts that are being taken, which is inevitable when you build a new team in such a time.”

    He identified immediate operational reliability as the primary short-term focus, acknowledging the gap to the front-runners.

    “It’s about working in some areas that need more attention. In the short-term, reliability. We’ve seen we’ve struggled with that in some areas and just getting the operational excellence to the next level, which is not the level of a top team as of today, but that’s understandable.”

    Looking further ahead, Budkowski noted that strategic priorities for performance gains are crystallizing.

    “Longer term, there’s some clearer priorities emerging for what we need to do and better, mostly to improve our performance and our pace.”

    Why This Matters

    Budkowski’s appointment signals Cadillac’s intent to stabilize a turbulent maiden voyage by installing a proven operator with deep institutional knowledge of F1’s sporting and technical regulations. His experience at the FIA—where he served as Head of the F1 Technical Department—and his tenure at Alpine/Renault provide a rare blend of governance insight and team management expertise. For a new entrant struggling with the basics of operational excellence, his focus on “people” and “process” over quick technical fixes suggests a methodical, long-term restructuring approach. The team’s ability to translate his diagnosis of “shortcuts” into robust systems will determine whether they can escape the backmarker status before the 2026 regulation reset.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When did Marcin Budkowski officially become Cadillac Team Principal?
    Budkowski assumed the role just before the Dutch Grand Prix at the end of August, replacing Graeme Lowdon.
    What is Cadillac’s best result in their debut 2024 season?
    The team’s highest finish to date is Valtteri Bottas’ 13th place at the Chinese Grand Prix; they remain the only team without a championship point.
    What are Budkowski’s stated priorities for the team?
    In the short term, he is focusing on reliability and operational excellence. Long-term priorities center on structural improvements to elevate performance and pace.
  • Was Cadillac “faster” than Williams in Madring F1 Race?

    Was Cadillac “faster” than Williams in Madring F1 Race?

    Key Highlights

    • Sergio Perez showed strong race pace at the Spanish Grand Prix, matching and briefly surpassing Alexander Albon’s Williams before a water leak forced his retirement.
    • Teammate Valtteri Bottas struggled with significant tire degradation and brake management, highlighting a performance disparity within the Cadillac squad.
    • Cadillac targets improvement at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where the Baku circuit’s low-downforce nature may mask the MAC-26’s current aerodynamic deficiencies.

    Perez Finds Encouraging Pace Amid Reliability Woes

    Cadillac’s maiden Formula 1 campaign has largely been defined by backmarker status, but the Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madrid circuit—referred to as Madring—offered a glimmer of competitiveness from Sergio Perez. The Mexican driver qualified 18th but made a lively start, jumping past Yuki Tsunoda and Carlos Sainz to sit 16th. More importantly, his race pace proved genuinely competitive against the midfield benchmark.

    Perez spent the entirety of his race shadowing Alexander Albon’s Williams, running a near-identical strategy of mediums to hards under the Virtual Safety Car. “I was pretty much the same pace as [Alexander] Albon all the way through,” Perez commented. “I was within a second or two until we had the issue. So a really strong weekend for the team in terms of pace. We pushed everything, we were on the limit with the brakes, but we pushed to the very limit, and [I’m] happy with that.” Telemetry backed his assessment: while Perez was 0.403 seconds per lap slower on the medium compound over 11 representative laps, he turned the tables on the hard tire, lapping 0.351 seconds quicker than Albon over eight laps before a terminal water leak and blue flags ended his challenge.

    Bottas Highlights Degradation and Durability Deficits

    The picture was starkly different for Valtteri Bottas. The Finn languished at the rear of the field, managing excessive brake temperatures with persistent lift-and-coast throughout the afternoon. “We know we need to improve,” the Finn nervously chuckled. “The car is still not robust enough, and we need to make it a lot faster. And the deg today highlights how much we’re lacking, it’s like way more than the competition.” Cadillac’s reliability record underscores the struggle: the team has suffered 11 retirements or non-starts in the 2026 season, fewer than Aston Martin’s 15 but significantly more than Williams’ seven.

    When presented with Perez’s positive comparison to Albon, Bottas offered a nuanced counterpoint. “In the beginning we can be there, we’ve seen, but as the race progresses, the deg gets worse. But actually for the next event, I’m more hopeful that we can be there. Baku, the only high-speed corners, they are flat out; otherwise it’s slow- or medium-speed.” His assessment points to a fundamental aerodynamic inefficiency on the MAC-26 that punishes the car disproportionately on conventional circuits.

    Why This Matters: A Two-Tier Trajectory for a Rookie Team

    The divergent weekends of Perez and Bottas expose the volatile nature of Cadillac’s development curve. Perez’s ability to match a race-winning midfield outfit like Williams—albeit over a limited sample—suggests the underlying potential of the chassis and power unit package exists, provided the car is in its optimal window. Conversely, Bottas’s experience confirms that the operational window remains dangerously narrow, with tire degradation and thermal management acting as primary performance limiters. With 11 DNFs already on the board, reliability is not merely a statistical blemish but a barrier to data accumulation. The upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix represents a critical calibration opportunity: Baku’s unique layout, dominated by long straights and low-speed corners, reduces the downforce demand that currently plagues the MAC-26. A strong showing there would validate the team’s aerodynamic diagnosis and provide momentum heading into the European swing, but it would not solve the fundamental lack of robustness that Bottas emphasized.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How did Sergio Perez’s pace compare to Alexander Albon at the Spanish Grand Prix?

    On the opening medium stint, Perez lapped 0.403 seconds slower per lap than Albon. After both switched to hard tires under the Virtual Safety Car, Perez was 0.351 seconds per lap quicker over eight representative laps before a water leak and blue flags intervened.

    What are Cadillac’s main technical issues according to Valtteri Bottas?

    Bottas cited insufficient car robustness, excessive tire degradation relative to rivals, and persistent brake temperature management issues requiring significant lift-and-coast throughout the race.

    Why is the Azerbaijan Grand Prix seen as a better opportunity for Cadillac?

    The Baku circuit features predominantly slow- and medium-speed corners with only flat-out high-speed sections, reducing the downforce demand that currently exposes the MAC-26’s aerodynamic deficiencies on conventional tracks.

  • Colton Herta Withdraws From Both Madring F2 Races

    Colton Herta Withdraws From Both Madring F2 Races

    Colton Herta Withdraws from Madrid F2 Rounds After Qualifying Crash

    Colton Herta has withdrawn from both races at the Formula 2 round in Madrid following a heavy qualifying accident on Friday. The Hitech Pulse-Eight driver lost control of his car at Turn 19, sliding into both barriers and sustaining significant damage to the front, rear, and right-hand side of his machinery.

    Driver Cites Feeling Unwell

    Herta subsequently pulled out of Saturday’s sprint race and Sunday’s feature race, reportedly feeling “unwell”. The team offered no comment regarding his potential participation at upcoming championship rounds.

    Difficult Rookie Season Continues

    The former IndyCar race winner switched to F2 this year to pursue his Formula 1 ambitions, securing a Cadillac test and development role. However, the transition has proven challenging. Across 11 rounds, Herta has reached the top 10 in qualifying only once and has accumulated 26 points — 20 of which came during the opening five events.

    His form has deteriorated recently. At Monza, Herta crashed twice in what was arguably his worst weekend of the season. The Madrid incident marks his third accident in his last six F2 sessions.

    Teammate and Countryman Celebrate Success

    While Herta’s weekend ended early, his teammate Ritomo Miyata achieved a career milestone by claiming his maiden F2 victory on Saturday — at the 76th attempt. Meanwhile, fellow American Ugo Ugochukwu secured the 2026 FIA Formula 3 championship title on Sunday.

    Championship Standings Update

    Ferrari junior Dino Beganovic dominated Sunday’s feature race, converting pole position into a commanding win. In the drivers’ standings, Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov leads with 177 points, followed by Ferrari Academy driver Rafael Camara on 170. Alpine’s Gabriele Mini sits third with 153 points, while Alex Dunne rounds out the top four on 139.

  • Cadillac Fined Twice After Sergio Perez FP1 Infringements in Madrid

    Cadillac Fined Twice After Sergio Perez FP1 Infringements in Madrid

    The Cadillac Formula 1 team has received two fines after Sergio Perez was caught speeding in the pit lane during the first free practice session (FP1) at the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid.

    Perez Breaches Pit Lane Speed Limit Twice

    The Mexican driver exceeded the mandatory 80 km/h pit lane speed limit on two separate occasions during the opening session of the weekend. FIA stewards penalized the American outfit for breaching Article B1.6.3a.i of the FIA F1 regulations.

    • First offence: A fine of €700 after Perez was clocked at 86.7 km/h, exceeding the limit by 6.7 km/h.
    • Second offence: A heavier penalty of €1,000 after Perez was recorded travelling at 96.7 km/h, exceeding the limit by 16.7 km/h.

    Difficult Debut Season Continues for Cadillac

    The infractions come amid a challenging inaugural campaign for the Cadillac squad. As the team works to adapt to the championship, it has grappled with significant reliability issues. In the drivers’ standings, Perez currently sits 23rd while his team-mate Valtteri Bottas occupies 22nd place; both drivers have yet to score a point.

    Madrid Debut: The Madring Circuit

    The first practice session in Madrid also marked the first time Formula 1 drivers tackled the Madring circuit. Built around the IFEMA Madrid exhibition centre and the nearby Valdebebas district, the venue operates a semi-street circuit layout. The track features a mix of tight zones and high-speed straights, highlighted by a banked, sweeping curve named “La Monumental”.

    Perez: “A Proper Race Track”

    Speaking to the media ahead of the race weekend, Perez offered his initial impressions based on simulator work:

    “The track itself is a proper race track, from what I’ve seen,” Perez told the media ahead of the race weekend. “I haven’t been on the circuit yet, but from what I’ve seen on the simulator, it’s a proper track.
    “It’s a bit scary, I’ll say. It reminds me a bit of Jeddah. Good, proper track, really happy to be here, and I think the atmosphere here is going to be one of the best.”

    FP1 Results

    The 36-year-old concluded the session with the 21st fastest time, finishing only ahead of team-mate Bottas.

  • Sergio Perez Trying to Help Cadillac Lure F1 Personnel

    Sergio Perez Trying to Help Cadillac Lure F1 Personnel

    Sergio Perez says he has tried to “influence” some of Cadillac’s recruitment decisions ahead of the team’s first Formula 1 season, offering feedback on potential targets and highlighting personnel he believes could strengthen the new American outfit.

    Cadillac’s arrival as Formula 1’s 11th team has expanded the championship’s employment market, while also intensifying competition for engineers and other staff. That competition was one reason several established teams reacted negatively to the prospect of a new entrant.

    Perez has driven for Sauber, McLaren, Force India/Racing Point and Red Bull, giving him working relationships with a significant portion of the F1 paddock. He therefore has a strong understanding of which potential recruits could provide Cadillac with a substantial boost.

    Perez offers Cadillac recruitment advice

    Speaking on the F1 Beyond the Grid podcast, Perez explained that he does not have the authority to make hiring decisions but has been prepared to make recommendations as interest in Cadillac continues to grow.

    “I mean, I obviously know a lot of good people out there, you know, I’ve been in this paddock for a long time,” Perez said.

    “I’ve been trying to get a few people, of course, but at the end of the day, you have to also know your position. And I am not the one that takes those decisions on who I bring and who I hire.

    “It is not my role. But I obviously try to influence and try to tell the team, I mean, ‘I think this guy will be good if he comes’ and so on. And all I can see is that the appetite for Cadillac around the paddock is rising every time.

    “And that’s something good to have as a Formula 1 team.”

    Sergio Perez, Cadillac

    Perez also believes General Motors’ arrival in Formula 1 has been a major benefit for Cadillac. He pointed to the US automotive giant’s extensive motorsport experience across its various brands as another potential advantage for the team.

    According to Perez, knowledge from other racing series could introduce new ideas and methods to Formula 1. He compared that potential cross-series benefit with the relationship between McLaren’s Formula 1 and IndyCar operations.

    “I do believe [in GM’s operational set-up] because GM, it’s a manufacturer that has done motorsport for their entire career,” Perez said. “And the level of competitiveness in the US, it’s extremely high.

    “I mean, they’ve been very helpful in a lot of ways. We’ve been able to learn stuff from them. I think as a team, we have to be open.

    “You know, there’s a lot we can learn from other series, other ways of doing things. For example, McLaren was able to get advantage from their IndyCar team a few years ago with how they were treating the ride and stuff like that. So there’s always room to improve and learn things.

    “I think as long as you have your mechanism very clear and you are able to deliver the idea quickly to the track, then that’s positive.”

  • F1 Driver Contracts: How Long Is Each Driver Signed For?

    F1 Driver Contracts: How Long Is Each Driver Signed For?

    F1 Driver Contracts: When Each Formula 1 Deal Expires

    Details of Formula 1 driver contracts are closely guarded, although the length of many deals is eventually made public. Here is how long each current F1 driver contract is believed to run, along with the potential moves that could shape the grid in the coming seasons.

    McLaren

    Lando Norris — 2030

    The reigning F1 world champion recently announced a new four-year contract with McLaren, keeping him at the team until at least 2030. The agreement is also believed to include clauses that could extend the deal beyond that point.

    Norris joined McLaren as a junior driver in 2017 before stepping up to its F1 team in 2019. He became world champion in 2025.

    Oscar Piastri — 2028

    Oscar Piastri signed a new McLaren contract at the start of 2025, tying him to the team until the end of 2028.

    The Australian made his F1 debut with McLaren in 2023 after a hearing before the FIA Contract Recognition Board settled a dispute between Alpine and McLaren.

    Mercedes

    George Russell — 2027

    Despite Mercedes’ previous pursuit of Max Verstappen, George Russell remains confident in his place at the team. The British driver is contracted through the end of the 2027 season.

    Russell joined Mercedes in 2022 after three seasons effectively on loan at Williams, where he made his F1 debut in 2019.

    Kimi Antonelli — 2027

    Kimi Antonelli is also believed to have a Mercedes contract running until the end of 2027.

    The Italian replaced Lewis Hamilton in Mercedes’ driver line-up after Hamilton left for Ferrari in 2025.

    Red Bull

    Max Verstappen — 2030

    Max Verstappen and Red Bull announced a new contract at the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix. The agreement runs until at least the end of 2030.

    Verstappen became a Red Bull junior in 2014 and made his F1 debut with sister team Toro Rosso in 2015 at the age of 17. He was promoted to the Red Bull team midway through the 2016 season.

    Isack Hadjar — 2026

    Isack Hadjar’s Red Bull contract is set to expire at the end of 2026 after he joined the senior team from Racing Bulls the previous winter.

    The French driver made his F1 debut with Racing Bulls in 2025 and immediately impressed, highlighted by a podium at the Dutch Grand Prix. His performances led to a rapid promotion to Red Bull for 2026.

    Ferrari

    Lewis Hamilton — 2027

    Ferrari has often declined to reveal the precise length of its drivers’ contracts, but all parties have confirmed that Lewis Hamilton’s deal runs until at least 2027. With contract clauses taken into account, he signed a three-year agreement when he joined in 2025.

    Hamilton made his F1 debut with McLaren in 2007 and won his first world title in 2008. He moved to Mercedes in 2013 and won a further six world championships during his 12 years with the German manufacturer.

    Charles Leclerc — 2028

    Ferrari announced that Charles Leclerc had agreed to a new contract on the eve of the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix, saying he would remain with the Maranello team “for the coming seasons”. The deal is believed to keep him at Ferrari until at least the end of 2028, with an option for additional years.

    Leclerc was a Ferrari junior and made his F1 debut on loan at Sauber in 2018. He joined Ferrari’s driver line-up in 2019 and has remained a permanent fixture ever since.

    Williams

    Alex Albon — 2027

    Alex Albon signed a contract extension with Williams ahead of the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix, keeping him at the team until the end of 2027.

    The Anglo-Thai driver made his F1 debut with Toro Rosso in 2019 before switching to Red Bull midway through the season. Red Bull dropped Albon at the end of 2020, and he spent one year away from F1 before returning to the grid with Williams in 2022.

    Carlos Sainz — 2028

    One day after Albon’s renewal was announced, Carlos Sainz’s future was confirmed with a multi-year Williams contract at the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix. The deal is believed to run until the end of 2028 and include contract clauses.

    Sainz has raced for almost half of the F1 grid since making his debut in 2015 with Toro Rosso. He switched to Renault in 2017, joined McLaren in 2019 for two seasons and then moved to Ferrari for four years. Sainz joined Williams in 2025.

    Racing Bulls

    Liam Lawson — 2026

    Like many Red Bull youngsters, Liam Lawson has largely worked on one-year contracts, and 2026 is no different. The New Zealander responded well after being demoted to Racing Bulls following just two rounds as a Red Bull driver and secured his short-term future with the team for the season.

    Lawson made his F1 debut in 2023 as an injury replacement for Daniel Ricciardo. In 2024, he permanently replaced Ricciardo at Racing Bulls from the United States Grand Prix, leading to his ill-fated promotion to Red Bull and subsequent return to Racing Bulls in 2025.

    Arvid Lindblad — 2026

    F1’s only rookie on the 2026 grid was handed a one-year contract to prove himself at Racing Bulls.

    The British driver has impressed during his debut season and appears set to retain his place on the grid for 2027.

    Aston Martin

    Fernando Alonso — 2026

    The biggest remaining question surrounding the 2027 F1 grid concerns Fernando Alonso. The 45-year-old agreed to a contract extension in 2024 that will keep him at Aston Martin until the end of the 2026 season.

    Alonso made his F1 debut with Minardi in 2001. After spending one year away from the grid as a Renault test driver, he returned in 2003 for a four-year stint that produced two world titles. Following an unsuccessful 2007 season with McLaren, Alonso returned to Renault for 2008 and 2009 before joining Ferrari for five years. He later had a second spell with McLaren amid its crisis with Honda and left both the team and F1 at the end of 2018. Alonso returned to F1 with Alpine in 2021 before switching to Aston Martin for 2023.

    Lance Stroll — 2026

    Lance Stroll is in the unique position of arguably having a timeless contract because his father, Lawrence Stroll, owns Aston Martin. He could therefore continue racing for the team for as long as both decide.

    A contract announced in 2024 covering “2025 and beyond” guarantees Stroll a place at least through the end of 2026, but the agreement is expected to continue indefinitely.

    The Canadian made his F1 debut with Williams in 2017 and spent two seasons there before joining Racing Point, which was rebranded as Aston Martin in 2021.

    Haas

    Esteban Ocon — 2026

    When Esteban Ocon joined Haas for 2025, the deal was described as multi-year, with options believed to cover 2027. However, neither the driver nor the team has so far indicated that an agreement extending beyond this season is in place.

    Ocon made his F1 debut midway through 2016 as a Mercedes junior with Manor. After the team folded, he joined Force India but lost his place in the line-up during Lawrence Stroll’s takeover at the end of 2018. After a year away, Ocon returned to F1 with Renault in 2020, remaining there until 2024 before moving to Haas.

    Oliver Bearman — 2026

    Oliver Bearman became a full-time Haas F1 driver in 2025, and his current contract is believed to expire at the end of 2026.

    The British driver made a surprise F1 debut for Ferrari as a substitute for Carlos Sainz at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. He made two further appearances that year with Haas, driving at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix for the banned Kevin Magnussen and again for Magnussen at the Brazilian Grand Prix when the Dane was unwell. Bearman became a permanent Haas driver in 2025.

    Audi

    Nico Hulkenberg — 2026

    Nico Hulkenberg joined Sauber in 2025 ahead of its transition to Audi on a multi-year contract. The agreement is expected to carry him into 2027 if both parties agree.

    Hulkenberg’s F1 career began with Williams in 2010. After a year away, he returned with Force India in 2012, joined Sauber for 2013 and reunited with Force India the following year, staying until the end of 2016. Two seasons with Renault ended with Hulkenberg failing to secure a full-time seat for 2020 and 2021, although he made five substitute appearances for Racing Point and Aston Martin. He returned to a full-time F1 seat with Haas in 2023, spending two seasons there before joining the Sauber-Audi project.

    Gabriel Bortoleto — 2026

    Gabriel Bortoleto made his F1 debut with Sauber in 2025 ahead of the team’s transition to Audi. Like Hulkenberg, his contract is described as multi-year and is expected to be extended into 2027.

    Alpine

    Pierre Gasly — 2028

    Pierre Gasly signed a new multi-year contract with Alpine in 2025 that will keep him at the team until at least the end of 2028.

    Gasly made his F1 debut with Toro Rosso as a mid-season replacement in 2017 before completing a full season with the team in 2018. A brief spell at Red Bull in 2019 ended with his demotion back to Toro Rosso, where he remained until the end of 2022. The French driver joined Alpine in 2023 and has stayed with the team since.

    Franco Colapinto — 2027

    Franco Colapinto emerged as one of the biggest winners in a stable 2026 driver market, as limited movement elsewhere gave Alpine the opportunity to assess him. The Argentinian driver has consequently been retained by the Enstone team for 2027.

    Colapinto made his F1 debut with Williams midway through 2024 but found his path to a full-time seat blocked. He switched to Alpine for 2025 and again joined as a mid-season replacement, this time doing enough to secure a full-time contract from 2026.

    Cadillac

    Sergio Perez — 2027

    Sergio Perez secured an F1 comeback with the new Cadillac team on a multi-year contract that will keep him there until at least the end of 2027.

    Perez began his F1 career with Sauber in 2011, impressing enough to earn a McLaren seat for 2013. He moved to Force India in 2014 and played an integral role in saving the team from administration before joining Red Bull at the end of 2020. After a promising start in Milton Keynes, Perez was dropped at the end of 2024 before his contract expired. He spent 2025 away from F1 before returning with Cadillac in 2026.

    Valtteri Bottas — 2027

    Valtteri Bottas also returned to F1 with Cadillac. The Finn has a multi-year contract that is set to run until the end of 2027.

    Bottas made his F1 debut with Williams in 2013 before unexpectedly joining Mercedes in 2017. He helped the team win five constructors’ world championships before moving to Alfa Romeo in 2022. His three-year spell at Alfa Romeo and Sauber ended in 2024, followed by one season away from the grid before he joined Cadillac for 2026.

    Source: www.motorsport.com

  • Sergio Perez “had conversations” with Other Formula 1 Teams

    Sergio Perez “had conversations” with Other Formula 1 Teams

    Sergio Perez says he remains committed to Cadillac despite his management holding talks with rival Formula 1 teams about a possible move for the 2027 season.

    Reports had linked Perez with Williams if Carlos Sainz decided to leave the team. However, Sainz signed a multi-year contract extension with the Grove-based outfit, removing that potential opportunity.

    The Mexican driver was also associated with Alpine, although the team is expected to retain Franco Colapinto for 2027 after the Argentine improved during his first full season with the Enstone-based squad.

    Despite the speculation, Perez told Formula 1’s Beyond the Grid podcast that he wants to remain part of Cadillac and help the American team develop beyond its debut season.

    “For me, nothing has changed,” he said. “Of course, we’ve had conversations with other teams and here and there, a few teams have been calling and stuff, but for me, nothing has changed. 

    “I see this as my project and I want to be part of Cadillac. I really believe [in it].

    “I don’t think this is a one-year project. I think this is a long-term project that I want to be part of. Obviously, there will be some discussions, but this is where I want to be and nothing has changed from my side.”

    Sergio Perez, Cadillac Racing

    Perez said he wants to see Cadillac make further progress and is also keen to assess the impact of new team principal Marcin Budkowski. Budkowski replaced Graeme Lowdon, who was released by Cadillac during the summer break.

    For Perez, improving Cadillac’s results will require more than simply increasing the car’s on-track performance. He also highlighted the team’s operational work, including pit stops, race strategy and tyre management.

    “I want to see more progress. Closing out the gap to the teams ahead of us,” he said. “I don’t know who’s ahead at the moment, I don’t know if it’s Williams, Aston seems to have become part [of the midfield] and being able to mix with them more in the races. 

    “Being able to close that gap will only allow us to start next year in a much better shape. And that’s something I want to see. Obviously, I’m looking forward to work with Marcin and see his leadership. 

    “I think there’s a lot of room for improvement. Not just on performance, operationally, pitstops, strategy, tyres. 

    “There’s so much still – we’ve only done the 11th race in our history. So there’s a lot of things. But I want to see much more progress. Closing out the gap and then I think that will give us a massive boost to start next year.”

  • Sergio Perez: “I want three more years with Cadillac”

    Sergio Perez: “I want three more years with Cadillac”

    Sergio Perez believes he has “maybe three more years” left in Formula 1 and wants to use that time to help Cadillac establish itself in the sport.

    The Mexican driver left F1 at the end of 2024 after Red Bull released him following a difficult season. Perez had finished second in the 2023 drivers’ championship, but his form declined after a strong start to the campaign. He then slipped to eighth in the 2024 standings, recording only four podium finishes.

    After spending a year away from Formula 1, Perez returned when Cadillac signed him to partner Valtteri Bottas. The new team has opted for an experienced driver line-up as it prepares to enter the championship, with both drivers bringing knowledge of leading F1 operations to the project.

    Sergio Perez embraces Cadillac’s Formula 1 project

    Speaking on the F1 Beyond the Grid podcast, Perez said he is enjoying his role in helping shape Cadillac’s future. He described himself as “more than a driver” because of his involvement in development and the team’s wider direction.

    He added that only a small number of drivers have the opportunity to help build a Formula 1 team from the ground up.

    “I really feel like this is a project. And I really feel like I’m part of this project of this new era, like building something from scratch,” Perez said.

    “Of course, I want to win championships and be fighting at the front. But if you don’t have that opportunity, I think Cadillac, it’s something that motivates me a lot. It’s like building a team from scratch and starting basically from last to see how far we can go together.

    “And like you say, you know, I feel like here I’m much more than a driver. At the same time, they listen a lot to me on different things, on development and stuff. Only a few drivers can get that in their careers, and it’s the first time I can have this.”

    Perez says motivation will determine when he retires

    Perez later discussed his long-term future and explained that the key sign it is time to stop racing will be a decline in his “will” and concentration. He said a driver’s focus on the car, engineers and pursuit of performance eventually reveals whether the desire to compete is fading.

    For now, Perez believes the Cadillac project is providing enough motivation to keep him focused. He estimates that he could have approximately three years of racing remaining before turning his attention to interests outside Formula 1.

    “I think there’s a certain age where you start to drop,” he added. “I think it’s the engine inside you. It’s the will, and you see it from the outside, when you’re not in the car, how much you’re thinking on your engineers, on your car.

    “When you go away and you start thinking less and less on that, that’s the first alarm, I would say. It’s going away. Because when you’re young, all what you’re thinking, it’s what’s coming next, how you will be driving better, what different techniques you can use, and that sort of thing.

    “But as you get older and older – and some drivers are different. Some drivers, it happens at late 20s, mid-30s, mid-40s, and others – we might see Fernando until he’s 60! He’s still driving at a very high level. But I think Fernando is different.

    “He has that engine inside him still. You can see him whenever there is an opportunity, like whenever there is anything he can take advantage of, he still has that.

    “And you can see it. But everyone is different. I don’t think that there is a number, that there is an age. Although Formula 1 is very physical, very demanding, training is not a limitation like other sports, like within football or tennis. Here, I think, it’s more the brain or the vision.

    “I think at the same time, it’s really hard for a driver to realise it’s enough, that I’m not as competitive as I wish or as I want to be and you need to call it off. And I think to take that decision as a driver is not so easy.

    “But at the end, you need to be very honest with yourself and grateful, you know, to that kid that started everything and you need to be able to say, you know, it’s time to do something else.

    “It’s hard to tell you a number. Obviously, I don’t have much in it. Say, maybe three years more. I want to see this project moving forward. I think that requires a bit more time.

    “But yeah, I mean, I respect a lot what Fernando has done in the sport and the motivation he has. But for me, it wouldn’t be that long because I want to do other things out of Formula 1.”

    Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing, Sergio Perez, Cadillac Racing. Photo by Guido De Bortoli / LAT Images via Getty Images.
  • Sergio Perez Admits Disappointment With Cadillac’s First F1 Season

    Sergio Perez Admits Disappointment With Cadillac’s First F1 Season

    Sergio Perez says Cadillac’s recent development stall has made the past few Formula 1 races “a disappointment”, but believes the team can still find another second of performance in 2026.

    Cadillac made significant progress during the opening part of the season, pulling clear of struggling Aston Martin and regularly beating the Silverstone-based team to avoid the back of the grid and the wooden spoon.

    That progress has slowed in recent races. Aston Martin’s own upgrades, including aerodynamic developments introduced in Hungary and the Netherlands, combined with Honda’s efforts to improve power, have delivered a notable increase in lap time and left Cadillac behind.

    Perez believes Cadillac has more potential. Speaking on Formula 1’s Beyond the Grid podcast, he said a new team should be improving constantly, but acknowledged that Cadillac’s recent form had flatlined.

    “On everything, I think the last few races have been a disappointment. There’s a lot of disappointment because we haven’t been developing. We haven’t been improving,” Perez said.

    “Us being a new team, this is what we should be doing, like every time. So I felt like there was a bit of a stalling in the last few races.

    “And that’s why we had to review on things, how we were doing everything. Obviously, being a new team, there’s a lot of things that we are constantly learning.”

    Sergio Perez, Cadillac Racing
    Sergio Perez, Cadillac Racing. Photo by: Andy Hone/ LAT Images via Getty Images

    Perez measured Cadillac’s shortfall in lap-time terms, suggesting the team has found roughly one second of performance during the opening half of the year, rather than the two seconds it had expected.

    Even so, he believes Cadillac is “not that far” from the established teams. Finding another second could transform the team’s competitiveness and allow it to put pressure on Williams, Haas and Aston Martin.

    “I don’t think we have improved as much as we hoped for,” Perez added. “[We have found] I don’t know, a second? But probably we were looking for two seconds.

    “The most important is we understand and we look at our processes, why it hasn’t come, that second? Why we haven’t improved in all those different areas?

    “Because it’s not only one thing, being a new team, there’s a lot of things that are in there. And I can see them, you know. If we improve our load, our ride, a lot of things, all of a sudden, we are not that far.

    “We are at the back, but half a second, one second will change our life completely at this stage, you know? And I feel like for us being a new team, it’s in there. It’s possible.”