Cadillac “is not in a hurry” to hire his pilots for his debut in Formula 1 in 2026 and will only put an American in the car when there is someone who fits the project.
The team, backed by GM, will become the eleventh F1 team from next year and has the design of your car very advanced, in addition to working in its own power unit, which has been approved for use from 2029.
The main unknown that hits Cadillac at the moment is who his pilots will be when he joined the championship, with the experienced Sergio Pérez continuously linked to the team.
However, Dan Towriss, executive director of TWG Motorsports, the company that manages the Cadillac team, insists that nothing has been signed with any pilot.
“I think the most important thing is that we are not in a hurry to choose a pilot, there are many things to take into account when choosing a pilot for Formula 1,” he told a small group of journalists, including Motorsport.comin the Miami Grand Prix.
“So we are taking our time. The list certainly includes the names of which many people are talking. Although I love to get up every day and read that we are in the final phases of the negotiation.”
Towriss did admit that having a couple of pilots who can help build the equipment from scratch will be key, since track performance is not the only metric to judge the possible holders.
“Obviously, performance is one thing, but experience is another. It is a new team. From that point of view, it will be of vital importance,” he added.
Dan Towriss, Director General de TWG Motorsport
Foto de: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images
“From that point of view, we are not only talking about what happens on the track, but also what happens in the simulator. So there are many aspects to take into account.”
“Fortunately, with Graeme (Lowdon, team director), Eric Warren (Executive Director) of GM Motorsports and many others, we are assimilating all the information we can to make our due diligence and take our time and make the right decision.”
“There are many conversations in progress. There is a lot of interest in this team and we are very grateful for it.”
In addition to specific names, there has been talk that Cadillac wants an American pilot in the team.
Lowdon previously declared to Motorsport.com that the pilots will be selected for their merits, but that does not necessarily rule out that an American get a seat.
Towriss admitted that the plan is to have a “local” talent at the wheel, but is not convinced that this has to occur from 2026.
“I would describe it in this way. We are committed to having an American pilot. It is important for all of us to do it in the right way,” he added.
“That is the issue. It doesn’t have to be next year. I think it will be with the right person, in the right way and at the right time.”
“It is not magic to take someone and drop it in the seat. Because it is important for us to succeed, right?”
“I think we want that person to be prepared for success and we want that seat to be respected when that American pilot reaches the team, so we are formulating that process, that plan too, so we are committed to that and we will find the right way and the right time to bring the appropriate pilot to Formula 1”.
