Andretti admits defeat over Cadillac US driver ultimatum

Mario Andretti has admitted that Cadillac may have to admit defeat over their intention to begin life in Formula 1 with an American driver.

The motorsport legend is a director on the board of the team, who will join F1 as the sport's 11th team next season and are currently without any signed drivers.

The team will be backed by American car giants General Motors, who will also supply their power units from the 2028 season onwards, and there is a heavy US influence within the new outfit.

1978 world champion Andretti previously stated that one of their two driver slots for 2026 would be taken by a young American racer, with IndyCar star Colton Herta understood to be the favourite, while the other seat is set to be reserved for an experienced F1 racer.

The likelihood of a full-time F1 return for the likes of Sergio Perez, Valtteri Bottas or Daniel Ricciardo has been bolstered by the addition of two new seats on the grid for 2026, and Andretti's latest comments may further enhance their prospects.

READ MORE: McLaren dealt championship BLOW as team's disastrous 2025 start continues

Who will race for Cadillac?

Andretti has revealed that it's not necessarily imperative for an American racer to be on the grid immediately, suggesting a change in the team's approach in looking for drivers for their 2026 lineup.

"Times fluctuate and times change to some degree," Andretti told ESPN, via F1i.com. "From now to the start of the final plan, some things could change, that's why I am telling you we are keeping our options open.

"Again, we would like to have at least one American driver, that is the objective. If it comes immediately that is good, if not we will always be looking for that."

The new team have already opened up a new facility at Silverstone Park, and have begun hiring for key positions, with Brit Graeme Lowdon set to be team principal for the outfit.

"The team has the responsibility to try to put together the most competitive situation possible as far as the drivers are concerned, so that's a huge responsibility there as well," Andretti added.

"That’s why Graeme Lowdon is correct - we can’t be saying absolutely has to be an American driver. It’s what we would like to see, it may happen or it may not."

F1 RESULTS TODAY: Verstappen roars again as Hamilton's Ferrari struggles continue in Japan

Related

Cadillac

Ferrari F1 star makes revelation on Cadillac move

• April 2, 2025 17:00

Latest F1 News

Sergio Perez plans F1 comeback as 'negotiations' revealed

• March 27, 2025 03:00