Cadillac close to Valtteri Bottas deal, "F1 drivers the least of their issues"

Valtteri Bottas appears to be like set to return to the grid in 2026 with Cadillac, however Ralf Schumacher has warned the brand new F1 crew that their driver line-up is the “least of their issues.”

The hearsay mill has been despatched into overdrive over the previous six months following F1’s announcement that Cadillac will probably be becoming a member of the grid in 2026 because the eleventh crew.

The American outfit have been busy getting ready for his or her debut season, however they’ve but to announce their 2026 F1 driver line-up.

Bottas, who’s at present not on the grid after being changed at Sauber by Gabriel Bortoleto, has been closely linked with a return to the game full-time with Cadillac.

It’s been reported by R365 and System.hu that Cadillac have made Bottas their first driver signing.

The ten-time grand prix winner has remained lively within the F1 paddock as Mercedes’ check and reserve driver.

Bottas has additionally acted as a mentor to Kimi Antonelli throughout his rookie marketing campaign.

The identification of Bottas’ teammate at Cadillac remains to be unclear, although.

Nonetheless, all indicators level in direction of Sergio Perez’s sensational return to the game as Bottas’ teammate. 

In an interview with BILD, Schumacher identified that Cadillac’s driver line-up needs to be the least of their priorities as they embark on the large problem of becoming a member of the head of motorsport.

“The drivers are the least of their issues,” Schumacher stated.

“They solely have 400 folks – and so they should construct a complete crew. It’s extraordinarily formidable.

“I’m wanting ahead to it, however it will likely be an enormous sporting problem. Will they rise like a phoenix from the ashes? Or will they keep grounded?”

The drivers Cadillac are set to snub

With Valtteri Bottas set to affix the crew, Cadillac have snubbed a bunch of different drivers.

Perez is at present the favorite to be Bottas’ teammate subsequent yr, doubtlessly forming an all-veteran line up.

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen followers will undoubtedly be eager to see who wins in 2026.

Mick Schumacher was a possible candidate to affix Cadillac, and the German revealed earlier this yr that talks have been “constructive.”

Schumacher has been off the grid since 2022 however has since held roles at Mercedes and Alpine.

With Cadillac seemingly not an possibility, Schumacher’s hopes of returning to the grid full-time appear to be over.

Schumacher is at present racing for Alpine within the World Endurance Championship.

Staying in WEC will probably be Schumacher’s finest wager for a profitable motorsport profession.

Felipe Drugovich’s probabilities of lastly getting an F1 alternative have taken a significant blow.

The 2022 System 2 champion has been ready on the sidelines as Aston Martin’s check and reserve driver.

Like Schumacher, Drugovich must give attention to Endurance racing, reasonably than an opportunity in F1.

Frederik Vesti was additionally named by Graeme Lowdon in an interview on the Excessive Efficiency Podcast earlier this yr.

Vesti is a part of the Mercedes household, however Cadillac reportedly by no means significantly thought-about him.

Lowdon additionally talked about Arvid Linblad, who will doubtless step as much as F1 with Racing Bulls subsequent yr.

American IndyCar star Colton Herta was additionally talked about, however an ongoing subject with him acquiring his tremendous licence has meant he’s not been within the body.

Herta will proceed to give attention to IndyCar over the approaching years.