Source: Official Team Post via X
Cadillac's Uncertain Future for Bottas Raises Eyebrows Amid Herta Rumors
Cadillac's decision to extend Sergio Perez's contract until 2029 has intensified speculation about Valtteri Bottas's future with the team. Despite Bottas having a contract for 2027, whispers of a potential replacement, possibly by Colton Herta, are causing concern.
Bernie Collins has voiced concerns over the latest reports from Cadillac regarding their 2027 driver line-up, which seem less than reassuring for Valtteri Bottas. This comes on the heels of Sergio Perez signing a new contract with Cadillac, securing his place until at least the 2029 season. While Cadillac's commitment to Perez is clear, Bottas's future seems more uncertain despite his contractual agreement for 2027.
Both Bottas and Perez joined Cadillac at the start of the 2026 season on multi-year deals. However, with Perez's new deal announced just before his home race, the spotlight has turned onto Bottas. Cadillac's recent statements suggest that Bottas might not be a lock for next season, as the team appears willing to explore other options.
Reports indicate that Cadillac is considering several alternatives for Bottas's seat. Names like Haas's former driver Esteban Ocon, Red Bull's reserve Yuki Tsunoda, and Racing Bulls' Liam Lawson have been mentioned. Additionally, Cadillac's own test driver, Colton Herta, is reportedly in the mix.
Craig Slater of Sky Sports reported that Cadillac's shortlist for the seat includes Bottas and Herta, with suggestions that the team is even prepared to buy out Bottas's contract if they choose to promote Herta. Collins, a former McLaren strategist, finds the suggestion that Bottas is merely a 'contender' for his seat rather disconcerting.
Cadillac has acknowledged their car's performance issues this season, which have partly hindered Bottas's results compared to Perez. Nonetheless, as the season winds down, Bottas faces an uneasy situation, especially with Herta nearing qualification for an FIA superlicence.
Herta's switch from IndyCar to Formula 2 this year was part of his strategy to break into F1 with Cadillac. He needs to complete 100km in an FP1 session to secure the necessary superlicence points. With an FP1 session lined up at the Mexico City Grand Prix, Herta is on the cusp of achieving this milestone.
Cadillac's decision to give Herta more FP1 time in Mexico comes after he failed to complete the required distance at Monza due to a crash. As Herta's current superlicence points will drop from 39 to 9 at the end of the year, he needs to hit the 40-point mark soon to keep his F1 hopes alive, potentially at Bottas's expense.