Following the announcement of the 2026 driver line-up at Cadillac Formula 1 Team, is there a future at the American team for Jak Crawford?
Crawford Confirmed “Slow Talks”
Despite the announcement that Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas will be driving for Cadillac Formula 1 Team in 2026, Crawford confirmed that he was also in “slow talks” with the eleventh outfit.
“Cadillac is a great option, of course, because they are an American team coming into the sport so I’m trying my best to get on the grid for next season,” Crawford explained to selected media before the official announcement.
The American driver admitted that a notable performance is the 2025 FIA Formula 2 Championship would be the only way he could compete with other rumoured names.
In the build-up to the official announcement, it was confirmed that several less-experienced names, including Mick Schumacher and Crawford’s fellow F2 competitor Alex Dunne, were also in talks with Cadillac.
With this information circling, it was though that the eleventh team may have an opted for a driver line-up consisting of a racing veteran, alongside a driver looking for their break into the sport.
However, with more than 500 combined Grand Prix starts and over 100 podiums between Perez and Bottas, the American team have seemingly settled for an experienced duo.
The 2026 Cadillac Line-Up
Playing a central role in helping shape Cadillac Formula 1 Team as they join the grid in 2026, Perez and Bottas will partner each other at the American team.
“Joining the Cadillac Formula 1 Team is an incredibly exciting new chapter in my career. From our first conversations, I could sense the passion and determination behind this project. It’s an honour to be part of a building a team that can develop together so that, in time, we will fight at the very front. Cadillac is a legendary name in American motorsport, and to help bring such a fantastic company to Formula 1 is a huge responsibility, one I’m confident of taking on,” said Perez.
Bottas added: “From the moment I began speaking with the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, I felt something different – something ambitious but also grounded,” said Bottas. “This isn’t just a racing project; it’s a long-term vision. It’s not every day that you get a chance to be part of something being built from the ground up and helping shape it into something that truly belongs on the F1 grid.
“I’ve had the honour of working with some of the best teams in the world, and I can already see the same professionalism and hunger here. This is an iconic brand with a big legacy in American motorsport, and to be a part of the story as it enters the world stage of F1 is incredibly special for me. I’m looking forward to representing the American spirit of racing on the greatest circuits in the world. I’d also like to thank Mercedes for their unwavering support and sportsmanship in facilitating such an exciting step.”
A Future For Crawford At Cadillac?
Despite the confirmation of the 2026 line-up at Cadillac Formula 1 Team, this does not erase the possibility of other valuable opportunities for Crawford at the team.
“I’ve known for quite a while […] what I’ve needed to do, so I’ve done well with that pressure, I don’t feel much added pressure compared to the beginning of the year,” explained Crawford.
“I know it’s my last shot in F2… my last shot to get to F1, so […] I still have that pressure.”
Currently competing in the FIA Formula 2 Championship in his third consecutive year, the American driver admits that this will be his final chance to fight for the championship.
With four races remaining, the DAMS Lucas Oil driver currently stands second in the Driver Standings, with three race wins.
Also serving as a Young Development Driver at Aston Martin, it is possible that Crawford could still be linked to Cadillac in some capacity.
With Colton Herta announced as the American team’s Test Driver, it is unclear if other names are yet to be announced to perform similar functions.
Showcasing Formula 1 experience including his participation in the 2024 Young Driver Test as well as several private tests with Aston Martin, the 20-year-old demonstrates notable qualities to successfully fulfil this role.
“I just need to keep doing a good job and I think some good things will happen,” finalised Crawford.
Featured Image Credit: Formula 2 on X
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