The Cadillac mystery continues to grow. For weeks now, reports have linked the American manufacturer to both Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas for its ambitious 2026 Formula 1 entry. And now, it appears F1 boss Stefano Domenicali might detail the Mexican's comeback.
At least according to reports by F1 insider. GPblog recently reported that Bottas had just overcome the final hurdle to secure a seat at Cadillac, after breaking the news during the Belgian Grand Prix that the Finn and the American team had agreed on terms for a collaboration aimed to start in 2026.
The German website believes, though, that Cadillac has been the real winner of the summer break.
The US brand has been mentioned more often than Ferrari, Mercedes, Red Bull, or McLaren, delivering the kind of visibility its F1 project was designed to achieve.
For Cadillac, and this is where the plot thickens, the priority is not only racing but also boosting its profile in Europe, especially Germany.
That is where F1 boss Stefano Domenicali enters the story. “To bring Formula 1 back to Germany, we need a German star,” he told SPORT BILD.
Domenicali lobbies for Mick Schumacher over Perez
Domenicali, said to be in close contact with Cadillac, is now lobbying for Mick Schumacher to take up the vacant seat next to Bottas, states F1-Insider.com
The 26-year-old offers more than just nationality: unlike Bottas or Pérez, he combines youth with prior F1 experience, making him a long-term bet for both Cadillac and Liberty Media’s push to revive the German Grand Prix.
The final decision is expected within weeks, once Cadillac begins simulator work.
While British team boss Graeme Lowdon may recommend, the ultimate call reportedly rests with CEO Dan Towriss.
For now, Pérez, Bottas, Schumacher, or even a surprise outsider, remain in play. However, GPblog understands that Perez' name is sounding with ever more prominence as of late.
But with Domenicali reportedly pressing for Schumacher, Pérez’s path back to F1 faces a dangerous hurdle.
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