Cadillac, the General Motors-backed outfit that will join Formula 1 in 2026, has entered the final phase of selecting its first driver line-up. Team executives said a series of meetings over the next two weeks will determine the roster for the programme’s debut season. Specialist publication Auto Motor und Sport reports that Mexican veteran Sergio “Checo” Pérez has agreed terms to become Cadillac’s lead driver and will be unveiled on 4 August, immediately after the Hungarian Grand Prix. While the team has not confirmed the deal, chief executive Dan Towriss told reporters at Silverstone that Cadillac will “bet on experience” for its inaugural campaign, citing the importance of securing “these critical seats.” Three-time world champion Max Verstappen publicly endorsed his former Red Bull team-mate, saying Pérez would be “a good choice” for the start-up squad provided he remains motivated. Pérez, who left Red Bull at the end of 2024 and is spending the 2025 season on the sidelines, has said he would return to F1 only with a project that matches his ambitions. The second cockpit remains open. Team director Graeme Lowdon told the High Performance podcast that Cadillac is in “deep talks” with six to ten candidates, with Valtteri Bottas and Mick Schumacher understood to be on the short list. The organisation aims to finalise its full driver roster during Formula 1’s summer break.