Former Haas team boss Guenther Steiner advised the incoming Cadillac Formula 1 squad to hire proven winners rather than rookies for its 2026 debut.
Speaking on the “F1 Explains” podcast, he said, “If I were Cadillac, I would look to experienced drivers… who help the team to get going.”
Why Pérez Could Thrive
Sergio Pérez lost his Red Bull seat after a difficult 2024 but, according to Steiner, would flourish with fewer political pressures.
“Maybe put him on a one-year contract,” Steiner suggested.
“It’s a lot better than having old rookies in there.
“That’s an opportunity for Checo.”
Bottas’ Value To A New Project
Valtteri Bottas, now a Mercedes reserve, brings extensive technical feedback and leadership from previous stints at Williams and Sauber.
Steiner argued that Bottas’ calm approach would accelerate development cycles inside a start-up team.
Cadillac’s Road To The Grid
Backed by General Motors, Cadillac was confirmed in March as F1’s eleventh entrant and plans to base operations in the United States under team principal Graeme Lowdon.
Board member Mario Andretti has hinted at pairing an experienced racer with a young American talent, but Steiner believes two veterans would fast-track results.
With 2026 engine and chassis regulations looming, Cadillac must finalise drivers by late 2025 to integrate them into simulator and aero programmes.