As the 2027 Formula 1 grid takes shape, Valtteri Bottas’ seat at Cadillac is under threat from a few candidates.
The Cadillac project has undergone an expectedly slow start to its tenure in Formula 1 this year. While the team is still working through reliability issues, it has yet to earn its first F1 points.
The duo of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas has given the team a strong starting point with two very experienced and successful drivers who know the inner workings of top-tier teams on the grid. However, Bottas is seemingly on the hot seat ahead of next season, with a few names rumored to potentially replace the Finnish driver.
1. Colton Herta
The American driver has been a candidate for Formula 1 for about five years now. While there were rumors of Herta directly entering F1 after the 2025 season, his shortage of Super Licence points led Cadillac to place him in Formula 2 for the year.
There are concerns regarding the American’s readiness for F1 given his lack of success in F2 this season. However, Cadillac is putting Herta behind the wheel during FP1 in Mexico City later this week, which will give him enough Super Licence points to be eligible for F1 next season. It is certainly something to keep an eye on in the coming months.
2. Yuki Tsunoda
The Japanese driver is still looking for a way back to F1 after losing his seat to Isack Hadjar. With Red Bull keeping Tsunoda on as a reserve driver, he has still been able to get some opportunities in the cockpit.
Due to Hadjar’s injury, Tsunoda was able to fill in for three races on quick notice. The 26-year-old was still able to pull together a solid string of performances, highlighted by the point he earned in Monza. He is a viable candidate to replace Bottas if the two parties are able to get to the table sometime soon.
3. Esteban Ocon
The French driver is set to be dropped by Haas after this season and is seemingly fading out of F1 as well. With many young and talented drivers climbing the ranks, Ocon has fallen out of favor, given his lack of good results. However, there is a slim chance Cadillac could reach out to him in the event that talks fall through with their preferred candidates.
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