In a surprising twist for racing fans, former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has weighed in on Cadillac’s potential driver lineup for their 2026 debut. Montoya deemed Sergio Perez, the ex-Red Bull driver, as the frontrunner for the top seat but suggested that Ferrari reserve driver Zhou Guanyu would be a better choice to accompany him, leaving IndyCar’s Colton Herta overlooked.
Cadillac, under the mentorship of F1 legend Mario Andretti, is set to make a significant entry into Formula 1, yet their full roster of drivers remains unconfirmed as the season inches closer. Reports indicate that Perez, who has a wealth of experience in F1 but was released by Red Bull, is in the mix to reclaim his position. Herta’s name has surfaced in speculation, adding more intrigue to the scenario.
However, Montoya has been vocal about his skepticism regarding Herta’s transition into F1. He emphasized that the complexities of adapting from IndyCar to Formula 1 could hinder Herta’s performance, especially given the stark differences in car dynamics. Notably, he stated, “A sudden switch to F1 might not suit Herta.”
Montoya argues that Zhou’s familiarity with Ferrari engines makes him an ideal candidate, particularly since Cadillac has secured an engine supply deal with Ferrari until 2029. This technical partnership could facilitate a seamless integration for Zhou, enhancing the team’s competitive edge.
Cadillac will make its debut as the 11th team on the F1 grid, with several top drivers being considered, including veteran Valtteri Bottas, who is also rumored to be in contention for a seat. Team principal Graeme Lowdon has recently spoken out amid the swirling rumors, hinting at exciting developments regarding driver selections.
As the 2026 season approaches, the decisions made by Cadillac will undoubtedly have lasting implications on the landscape of Formula 1. With Perez also in the spotlight, the impact of overlooking Colton Herta for a more experienced candidate could shape not just the team’s future but also the broader narrative of rookie drivers in F1.
