Source: Official Team Post via X
Yuki Tsunoda's Last Push for a 2027 F1 Seat with Cadillac
After parting ways with Red Bull, Yuki Tsunoda is determined to secure a spot on the 2027 F1 grid, eyeing a potential opportunity with Cadillac. Meanwhile, the team weighs its options, with Valtteri Bottas' future hanging in the balance.
Yuki Tsunoda, the Japanese driver who exited the Red Bull family at the close of 2025, is not ready to hang up his F1 helmet just yet. Despite being replaced by Isack Hadjar, Tsunoda is intent on finding a new home within the Formula 1 paddock. Racing Bulls gave him a chance as a reserve driver in 2026, and he even stepped in for Liam Lawson when Hadjar was sidelined with a hand injury. Tsunoda managed to snag a point in Italy, showcasing his determination to stay relevant in the sport.
As Tsunoda seeks a permanent drive for 2027, Cadillac emerges as a possibility. With Sergio Perez cementing his place at the team until 2029, the focus shifts to Valtteri Bottas, whose seat may not be as secure. Rumors suggest Cadillac is eyeing American driver Colton Herta, who will participate in FP1 in Mexico City. The team has been vocal about wanting an American driver, but Tsunoda is reportedly knocking on Cadillac's door, hoping to make his case for a spot on the grid.
Journalist Edd Straw weighed in on the situation during The Race F1 Podcast, noting that while Bottas could face changes, there's no immediate plan to part ways. Bottas' performance, although overshadowed by Perez, has been respectable, and Cadillac must decide if they want to continue building with Bottas or introduce Herta for that American touch. Straw didn't rule out Tsunoda either, recognizing his persistent efforts to secure a seat.
Meanwhile, the competition for a Cadillac seat is heating up. Apart from Tsunoda and Herta, drivers like Frederik Vesti, Jack Doohan, and Paul Aron are also in the mix. Vesti, involved with Mercedes and the Cadillac family through IMSA's Action Express, is another strong contender. As Straw and colleague Josh Suttill pointed out, the list of hopefuls is growing, making it a crowded race for the coveted position.
The question remains: who will line up alongside Sergio Perez in 2027? With Bottas' future uncertain and Cadillac's American driver ambition, it's a decision that could shape the team's trajectory in F1.