The Formula 1 grid is expanding in 2026 with the addition of an 11th team in the form of Cadillac.
It follows a lengthy tender process for new teams set out by the FIA and F1, with Cadillac taking over what was previously the Andretti entry.
Andretti was initially rejected because F1’s commercial rights holders felt it would not add value and held concerns over its competitiveness.
Cadillac would take over the entry bid and was duly accepted, with the American outfit set to join in 2026 as a customer team before bringing in its parent company, General Motors, as a power unit manufacturer in 2028.
Questions are now being raised over who could be part of their driver lineup, and James Hinchcliffe has suggested a driver he thinks would make an impact in a column for F1.com.
Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty ImagesJames Hinchcliffe suggests NASCAR driver for Cadillac F1 team
Mercedes and former Sauber F1 driver Valtteri Bottas has been slated as a potential candidate for Cadillac, given his recent experience.
Bottas teased a drive with Cadillac on his social media channels, indicating that it might not be too long before we see him back on the grid.
Cadillac will likely want to have an American talent, and while the continent is not short of potential drivers, Hinchcliffe has highlighted NASCAR driver Connor Zilisch.
“Competing full time in the [NASCAR] Xfinity Championship in 2025, he already has three wins in the season, including his first oval victory. Given his road racing background, it is incredibly impressive that he is now competitive on the types of track that a lot of the drivers he’s racing against trained on exclusively on their rise to this level,” said Hinchcliffe.
“And that’s really my point on Zilisch – he seems to be one of the most adaptable drivers that I’ve ever seen. Watching what he’s done so far gives me the feeling that if he was given a proper programme in an open wheel car, and a season or two of F2 to cut his teeth, he could be F1-worthy in short order. And he has the time, because despite the impressive CV he is still only 19 years old.”
READ MORE: All to know about General Motors’ Cadillac F1 team from engine to drivers
Sergio Perez slated for F1 return with Cadillac
With Bottas firmly on the list for a potential comeback, there could also be another former F1 face who rejoins the grid after a period of absence.
Sergio Perez has been slated for a comeback with Cadillac after being dropped by Red Bull at the end of the 2024 season, following a difficult campaign for the Mexican.
While it looked like things had reached their natural end for the Mexican, the performances from Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda have not been the improvement expected.
Perez was bought out of his contract for £11 million last year and is currently being paid not to race for Red Bull, having initially agreed a deal with the team to extend last year.