Cadillac have reportedly ruled out signing Esteban Ocon for the 2027 Formula 1 season, despite growing uncertainty surrounding Valtteri Bottas’ future with the American outfit. Ocon, who is expected to leave Haas at the end of 2026, had emerged as a potential candidate for a seat at Cadillac, particularly because of his previous working relationship with team principal Marcin Budkowski. However, reports suggest the Frenchman will not be joining the team, either as a full-time driver or as a reserve.
The decision comes at a crucial time for Cadillac, who are assessing their options after a challenging first season in Formula 1. The team entered the championship hoping to establish themselves as a competitive force, but consistent struggles to reach the points have increased the pressure on both drivers and management. While Sergio Perez has reportedly held an advantage over Bottas in race conditions, the team’s wider performance problems mean Cadillac must carefully evaluate its next steps before committing to a new driver lineup.
CADILLAC’S DIFFICULT FIRST SEASON PUTS BOTTAS UNDER PRESSURE
Bottas joined Cadillac with considerable Formula 1 experience and a long-term agreement, making him an important part of the team’s initial project. However, his position could become less secure if management decides that a change would improve the team’s prospects for 2027.
According to the report from The Race cited by GiveMeSport, Cadillac could consider paying off Bottas’ contract to create a vacancy alongside Perez. Such a move would represent a significant decision for a team still establishing its identity and developing its car.
Perez has reportedly performed better than Bottas in several race situations, although the pair have remained relatively close in qualifying. The article puts their qualifying head-to-head at 10-8 in Perez’s favour, while suggesting the Mexican has been more effective on race day.
Nevertheless, replacing Bottas would not automatically solve Cadillac’s problems. The team must determine whether its disappointing results are primarily related to driver performance, the limitations of the car, or a combination of both. A driver change could bring fresh momentum, but Cadillac will also need to make substantial progress with its overall package if it hopes to challenge more established teams.
ESTEBAN OCON WILL NOT BE JOINING CADILLAC IN 2027
Ocon had appeared to be a logical candidate for Cadillac after his expected departure from Haas at the end of the 2026 season. His experience in Formula 1 could have appealed to a team looking for a driver capable of helping develop a new project.
The connection with Budkowski also added to the speculation. The Cadillac team principal previously worked with Ocon during their time at Alpine, creating a professional relationship that made a potential reunion an understandable talking point.
However, the latest report indicates that Cadillac have decided against bringing Ocon into the organisation for next season. The reported decision covers both a potential race seat and a reserve-driver role, narrowing the Frenchman’s possible options as he considers his next career move.
Ocon’s exclusion does not necessarily mean Cadillac have finalised their complete driver lineup. Instead, it suggests the team may be focusing on other candidates as it weighs the balance between experience, future potential and its longer-term ambitions.
For Ocon, leaving Haas without an immediate replacement seat could create a difficult situation. Experienced drivers can remain valuable to Formula 1 teams, but available positions are limited, and the competition for them becomes particularly intense when several drivers are seeking opportunities at the same time.
COLTON HERTA AND YUKI TSUNODA EMERGE AS POTENTIAL OPTIONS
With Ocon reportedly out of contention, two names have emerged as possible alternatives if Cadillac decide to replace Bottas: Colton Herta and Yuki Tsunoda.
Herta represents an appealing option because of Cadillac’s American identity and its potential interest in having a homegrown driver. The former IndyCar racer pursued a Formula 1 opportunity and has been working towards meeting the requirements needed to compete in the championship.
However, his transition has not been straightforward. Herta has struggled in Formula 2, according to the report, and still needs to secure the required Super Licence points. His participation in free practice sessions with Cadillac could help him gain experience, but his eligibility would need to be confirmed before any race-seat decision could be finalised.
Tsunoda, meanwhile, offers something Herta cannot yet match: established Formula 1 race experience. The Japanese driver has already competed at the highest level and could provide useful feedback as Cadillac continue developing their car and operations.
The report also points to Tsunoda’s brief return to the grid during Isack Hadjar’s injury absence as evidence that he remains a potential option. Whether that short comeback is enough to convince Cadillac remains uncertain, but his experience could make him an attractive candidate if the team prioritises immediate readiness over long-term development.
CADILLAC FACE A MAJOR DECISION OVER EXPERIENCE OR POTENTIAL
Cadillac’s reported choices reflect a broader challenge facing new Formula 1 projects. An experienced driver can help accelerate development, identify weaknesses and provide a clearer benchmark for evaluating a car. A younger driver, on the other hand, may offer greater long-term potential and could become a valuable part of the team’s future.
Tsunoda would offer Cadillac a driver who already understands the demands of a full Formula 1 season. Herta could provide a connection to the American motorsport audience, but his lack of established F1 race experience and outstanding Super Licence requirements present significant considerations.
The team’s decision will also depend on its assessment of Perez, who appears to have strengthened his position through his performances relative to Bottas. If Cadillac retain the Mexican, they will need to decide whether his next teammate should be someone capable of delivering immediate technical feedback or a developing talent who could grow with the project.
Although an American driver would fit Cadillac’s identity, nationality alone cannot guarantee a seat. The team must balance commercial interests with the competitive demands of Formula 1, where development speed and consistent results are essential.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT FOR CADILLAC AND OCON?
The reported rejection of Ocon leaves Cadillac with important questions to answer before the 2027 season. Bottas’ long-term agreement complicates any potential change, while the team’s current performance makes it difficult to justify a decision based solely on short-term results.
If Cadillac decide to retain Bottas, stability could give the team more time to address its technical weaknesses. If management chooses to make a change, however, Tsunoda and Herta appear to be names worth watching, although neither should be treated as confirmed.
Ocon’s situation is equally uncertain. His expected departure from Haas means he must assess whether another team can offer him a competitive opportunity or whether a different role could keep him connected to Formula 1.
For now, the key development is the reported decision to rule Ocon out of Cadillac’s plans. The bigger story will be whether Cadillac trust their existing driver pairing or make a bold move to reshape the team for 2027. Whatever direction they choose, their next decision could have a major influence on the early stages of their Formula 1 project.
