Cadillac F1 Team Has at Least Six Drivers on 2026 Short-list

A logo of Cadillac is seen on media day at the 2024 Paris Auto Show in Paris, France, October 14, 2024. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo
A logo of Cadillac is seen on media day at the 2024 Paris Auto Show in Paris, France, October 14, 2024. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo
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Cadillac F1 Team Has at Least Six Drivers on 2026 Short-list

A logo of Cadillac is seen on media day at the 2024 Paris Auto Show in Paris, France, October 14, 2024. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo
A logo of Cadillac is seen on media day at the 2024 Paris Auto Show in Paris, France, October 14, 2024. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo

The Cadillac team set to debut in Formula One next year has at least six names on a list of potential drivers and will decide on merit, principal Graeme Lowdon said on Monday.

The General Motors-backed team secured final approval last week for their entry as the sport's 11th outfit on the starting grid, providing a green light for discussions about the future line-up.

"The obvious question is whether we'll have American drivers and personally I see no reason why an American driver can't be selected on merit," Lowdon told reporters on a video call. "The overriding objective is merit."

Experienced F1 drivers without seats who could be in the frame include Zhou Guanyu, Valtteri Bottas, Sergio Perez and Mick Schumacher while American IndyCar star Colton Herta is regularly mentioned, Reuters reported.

"Do we see experienced, capable drivers... very talented drivers, who currently aren't on the grid? Yes, we do," said Lowdon.

"We are going to be quite busy talking to a few people. My phone has certainly been busy, that's for sure.

"There are easily half a dozen, if not more, candidates out there who offer extremely good credentials to be in Formula One or to be in Formula One again."

Herta has yet to qualify for a super-licence, however, and Lowdon said he would have to secure that.

"He's an incredibly talented driver. So, for sure, it's not shock news that we would be looking to consider Colton alongside a whole bunch of other drivers as well," he said.

"He won't be the last driver where there's some uncertainty due to super licence points but we just have to live with that. That's a regulation. We just have to respect it."

Lowdon has had close links to Zhou, helping with his management, and the Chinese is now a reserve for Cadillac's initial engine partner Ferrari.

"I think Zhou's done an exceptionally good job under difficult circumstances over the last couple of years," said Lowdon.

"He doesn't necessarily need to explain the background of his abilities because I've had a front row seat to see all that.

"There's the correct checks and balances in place so there's no favouritism in any particular direction towards him or any other driver that we may have involvement with.

"There's some really good ones out there, Zhou included."



Reports: Liverpool Agree to Sign Frankfurt Striker Ekitike

Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike (L) is reportedly set to join Liverpool. Daniel ROLAND / AFP
Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike (L) is reportedly set to join Liverpool. Daniel ROLAND / AFP
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Reports: Liverpool Agree to Sign Frankfurt Striker Ekitike

Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike (L) is reportedly set to join Liverpool. Daniel ROLAND / AFP
Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike (L) is reportedly set to join Liverpool. Daniel ROLAND / AFP

Liverpool have agreed to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike in a deal worth an initial £69 million ($92 million), according to reports on Monday.

The Premier League champions switched their focus to Ekitike following Newcastle's refusal to sell Sweden striker Alexander Isak, who is valued at around £150 million by the Magpies, AFP said.

Newcastle and Manchester United were also interested in Ekitike, but Liverpool look set to win the race for one of Europe's hottest young stars.

It is believed the Reds have agreed to pay a potential further £10 million in add-ons to sign the 23-year-old Frenchman, whose overall price tag could reach £79 million.

Once the transfer is completed, Ekitike will link up with Arne Slot's side on their pre-season tour of Asia.

Ekitike scored 22 goals in 48 games in all competitions for Frankfurt last season after joining the Bundesliga club from Paris Saint-Germain.

He was an unused substitute during his side's pre-season friendly against FSV Frankfurt on Saturday, with Eintracht boss Dino Toppmoller admitting Ekitike's impending departure was "a bitter loss".

Liverpool have an opening in their forward line after Diogo Jota's recent death in a car crash in Spain.

The Reds are also believed to be willing to sell Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez, while Colombia forward Luis Diaz has been the target of a rejected bid from Bayern Munich.

Liverpool have already splashed out £116 million on Germany playmaker Florian Wirtz, as well as signing defenders Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez from Bayer Leverkusen and Bournemouth respectively.

Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili has also linked up with Arne Slot's side since the end of last season after agreeing his move from Valencia in 2024.