Rumors have started to circulate that Mick Schumacher could be set to make his Formula 1 return with Cadillac F1 team in 2026.
Formula 1 confirmed early this week that an "agreement in principle" had been reached with General Motors for the Cadillac F1 team to join the grid in 2026. This comes after Andretti Cadillac had initially received approval from the FIA in October 2023 but was later rejected by Formula One Management in January 2024.
Michael Andretti stepping down as Andretti Global CEO in October 2024 is seen as a crucial point for the American team moving forwards with its Formula 1 bid. Although Andretti will not be involved in the new team, his father and motorsport legend Mario Andretti will serve as a director on the board.
Confirming the news, Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei commented:
"With Formula 1's continued growth plans in the US, we have always believed that welcoming an impressive US brand like GM/Cadillac to the grid and GM as a future power unit supplier could bring additional value and interest to the sport.
"We credit the leadership of General Motors and their partners with significant progress in their readiness to enter Formula 1. We are excited to move forward with the application process for the GM/Cadillac team to enter the Championship in 2026."
As soon as the news broke, fans were quick to speculate who the drivers would be for the Cadillac F1 team. American names such as Colton Herta were amongst those mentioned but Mick Schumacher was also proposed due to his previous experience in the sport and his father's legacy.
Speaking about the possibility of Schumacher returning to the grid in 2026, his uncle Ralf Schumacher, who is a former driver himself and now a Sky Sports Germany pundit, explained:
"I'm pretty sure they'll rely on American talent.
"On the other hand, it's fair to say that the IndyCar level is not the Formula 1 level. We've seen that in numerous test drives.
"But that doesn't mean that there's some super talent lurking there that no one has found yet."
Commenting on Mick's chances, Ralf explained:
"I'm assuming that they'll get a known name to give them a starting point.
"You're starting from scratch with everything and that's going to be damn difficult. That's why you have to have someone who you know can do it and who you can rely on.
"It will of course take some time, but General Motors is a huge corporation and whatever they tackle will work in the end.
"Then we will have 11 teams and I am looking forward to it because there will be another one and, above all, two places for new, young drivers. We know how difficult that is with 20 cars, now we have ten per cent more at our disposal."
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