Indycar star dismisses Cadillac F1 speculation.

      IndyCar star Pato O’Ward dismissed speculation that he is a top contender for Cadillac's new Formula 1 team set to debut in 2026. Team principals Graeme Lowdon and Dan Towriss have acknowledged discussions with drivers including Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez. However, rumors regarding American drivers have diminished.

      "I don’t believe they will choose a US driver, as the risks are too significant," remarked former Haas team principal Gunther Steiner to RTL. "These drivers lack experience in Formula 1, and it could easily backfire, which benefits no one."

      While Colton Herta is currently out of consideration and Alex Palou has ruled himself out, there are still lingering rumors linking O’Ward to Cadillac, despite him being under contract with McLaren’s IndyCar team. "I wouldn’t prefer it," McLaren CEO Zak Brown stated when asked about releasing the 26-year-old, "but I wouldn’t prevent him either." Cadillac F1 ambassador Mario Andretti humorously suggested he might need to "fight" McLaren to free O’Ward from his contract.

      O’Ward recently told the Mexican outlet Medio Tiempo, "That was purely smoke and mirrors. I think the rumor of me joining Cadillac is akin to the one about Fernando Alonso dating Taylor Swift," he chuckled.

      Recent reports indicate that ex-Alpine driver Jack Doohan could be a potential option for Cadillac, and Mick Schumacher has been rumored to be in contention for a seat for several months. Steiner commented, "I believe Mick has a good chance," having let Schumacher go from Haas at the end of 2022. "Cadillac is in need of a driver with Formula 1 experience, and there aren't many available drivers who have previously competed in F1," he noted. "Mick is also a very likable individual and has gained valuable insights into functioning within a large, successful team," Steiner continued, referencing Schumacher’s role as a reserve driver at Mercedes. "This understanding of how a thriving team operates could be beneficial for Cadillac."