Mick Schumacher Details Cadillac F1 Talks, Explains IndyCar Move
Mick Schumacher was a late contender for a Cadillac F1 seat but ultimately understood their choice of experienced drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez. This decision led Schumacher to sign with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing for the 2026 IndyCar season, a move he believes keeps his Formula 1 return hopes alive.
Mick Schumacher has confirmed he was a strong candidate for a Cadillac F1 seat until the very end of the selection process, ultimately seeing the team choose a different direction. Cadillac F1 has opted for an experienced lineup of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez for their 2026 debut, a decision Schumacher understands.
Why it matters:
Formula 1's 2026 season marks a significant overhaul with new regulations and the entry of new teams, including Cadillac F1. Driver lineups are crucial for new entries, balancing experience with potential. For Schumacher, this decision impacts his immediate F1 future, pushing him toward a new chapter in IndyCar while keeping the F1 door ajar.
The details:
- 2026 Regulations: The upcoming F1 season will introduce new chassis and engine rules, with cars becoming smaller and 30 kg lighter. Active aerodynamics will replace DRS, and power units will see a threefold increase in electrical energy output, running on fully sustainable biofuel.
- New Teams: Alongside Sauber transforming into Audi, Cadillac F1 will join as the 11th team on the grid.
- Cadillac's Choice: The new team selected Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, a duo with 16 Grand Prix wins between them (Bottas 10, Perez 6), emphasizing experience for their inaugural season.
- Schumacher's Candidacy: Mick Schumacher, who last competed in F1 with Haas in 2022, was "in contention" for a Cadillac F1 seat until the team made its final decision.
- IndyCar Move: Following the Cadillac decision, Schumacher signed with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing to compete in the full 2026 IndyCar campaign, fulfilling his desire to continue single-seater racing he enjoys.
What's next:
Schumacher doesn't view his IndyCar move as the end of his F1 aspirations. He believes that single-seater racing, regardless of the series, can still keep him relevant for potential F1 opportunities. He is set to partner Graham Rahal and Louis Foster at RLL in his rookie IndyCar season, hoping to showcase his talent and potentially open future doors back to Formula 1.