The Formula 1 apaddock continues to buzz as new contenders prepare to enter the sport’s elite arena, and Cadillac — the American automotive powerhouse — is right at the center of attention. In a development that has stirred both excitement and speculation, Cadillac’s F1 chief has officially confirmed that discussions are underway with Mick Schumacher about a possible seat. However, in the same breath, he made it clear that Daniel Ricciardo is not being considered for a role in the team’s future plans.
As Cadillac, in collaboration with Andretti Global, seeks to break into Formula 1 and establish itself as a competitive constructor, driver selection is proving to be a crucial and closely watched part of their long-term strategy.
The Schumacher Talks: A Promising Prospect
Speaking during a recent interview, the Cadillac F1 boss confirmed that the team has engaged in “serious and constructive conversations” with Mick Schumacher — the son of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher. Currently serving as Mercedes’ reserve driver and participating in the World Endurance Championship with Alpine, Mick has been working tirelessly to return to the F1 grid.
“Mick is someone we’re keeping a close eye on,” said the Cadillac chief. “He’s young, talented, and comes with a great pedigree — but more importantly, he’s shown he’s willing to put in the hard work to prove himself.”
Mick’s stint with Haas from 2021 to 2022 had its ups and downs, but many in the sport believe he wasn’t given the proper machinery or time to truly showcase his potential. Since leaving the grid, he’s been steadily rebuilding his reputation, earning praise for his professionalism and adaptability.
Cadillac appears to see in him not only a marketable name but also a long-term asset who can grow with a fledgling team.
Why Not Ricciardo?
The biggest surprise in Cadillac’s driver conversation was the outright dismissal of Daniel Ricciardo as a candidate. The Australian veteran, known for his infectious personality and race-winning past, is currently part of the Red Bull family through Visa Cash App RB (formerly AlphaTauri). Despite his undeniable experience and popularity, the Cadillac chief confirmed that Ricciardo is “not part of our evaluation.”
“There’s no discussion with Daniel Ricciardo,” he stated bluntly. “While we respect his career and what he’s done in Formula 1, our focus is on building a team for the future — drivers who align with our developmental goals and long-term performance trajectory.”
This revelation speaks volumes about Cadillac’s vision. Rather than opting for a big-name veteran for short-term attention or brand leverage, they seem focused on nurturing talent, creating a cohesive driver-team development arc, and building something sustainable from the ground up.
Cadillac’s F1 Ambitions
Cadillac and Andretti’s joint bid to enter Formula 1 has been one of the most high-profile and polarizing topics in recent F1 politics. While the FIA approved their entry, the team still faces resistance from Formula One Management (FOM) and several existing teams, who argue that a new entry could dilute the sport’s revenue pool.
Still, Cadillac remains undeterred.
“We’re playing the long game,” the F1 chief added. “Our entry is not about just getting on the grid — it’s about competing and eventually winning. That requires the right infrastructure, the right partners, and most importantly, the right drivers.”
Securing a driver like Mick Schumacher — who has both historical significance and room for growth — would be a strategic move in that direction.
Industry Reaction
F1 insiders have reacted with cautious optimism to the news. Many see the pursuit of Schumacher as a sign Cadillac is taking its program seriously and avoiding flashy, short-sighted decisions.
Motorsport analyst Martin Brundle commented on Sky Sports:
“Mick’s in a good spot. He’s been humbled by his time out of the grid, but that’s often where the strongest comebacks begin. If Cadillac can offer him a proper seat and time to grow, it could be a great fit for both sides.”
As for Ricciardo, the statement could represent a tipping point in his career trajectory. Once viewed as a surefire title contender, the Aussie’s career has been on a downward slide since leaving Red Bull in 2018. His performances since returning to the grid have been mixed, and with teams like Cadillac passing on him, his long-term future in F1 remains unclear.
What’s Next?
While Cadillac’s F1 debut is still pending final approval and likely won’t materialize until 2026 at the earliest, the groundwork is already being laid. Facilities are being developed, engineering partnerships are being explored, and personnel are being quietly hired.
The driver lineup will be one of the last — but most crucial — pieces of the puzzle.
If talks with Mick Schumacher progress and culminate in a deal, it could mark a major turning point for both parties: a fresh start for Schumacher, and a strong foundational piece for Cadillac’s F1 dreams.
Until then, speculation will continue, but one thing is clear — Cadillac isn’t here to play catch-up. They’re here to build, to compete, and to define their own Formula 1 legacy — one deliberate step at a time.
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