--- title: "Cadillac F1 Boss: ‘No Reason Why’ Team Can’t Hire an American Driver" date: "2025-03-10" modified: "2025-03-10" authors: - name: "Jerry Perez" job_title: "Deputy Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/cadillac-f1-boss-no-reason-why-team-cant-hire-an-american-driver" categories: - "F1" - "News" - "Racing" --- # Cadillac F1 Boss: ‘No Reason Why’ Team Can’t Hire an American Driver ![SPA, BELGIUM - JULY 28: Graeme Lowdon in the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake garage during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on July 28, 2023 in Spa, Belgium. (Photo by Qian Jun/MB Media/Getty Images)]() *\Qian Jun/MB Media\* Now that the Cadillac [Formula 1]() Team has received the green light from the [FIA and F1 to join the grid in 2026](), the Indiana-based organization and its leaders must work overtime to build a competitive package. A key part of that package will be selecting new racing drivers for the team's maiden season, and the elephant in the room is (and has been) whether it will employ the services of an American racer. In a Monday press conference attended by *The Drive*, newly-selected team principal Graeme Lowdon reiterated that Cadillac F1 was an American team, headquartered in America, and [powered (eventually) by American engines](). When asked about its future drivers, the Brit and former F1 team executive explained that he's lucky there are many "good drivers available out there," and that they will be hired on merit. "There's no reason why an American driver can’t be selected on merit—I think it’s something fans would like to see," said Lowdon. "I see no reason why that can’t happen. It’s gotta be on merit. We’ve got a job to do here." With roughly 10 months to go until an official team unveiling and a year out from its first-ever grand prix, Lowdon has his work cut out. [Andretti Global HQ in Fishers, Indiana]() is nearing completion, the team has made important hires such as F1 technical guru Pat Symonds, and overall has favored senior personalities with loads of experience instead of young up-and-comers. "You can see we value experience from the way we’re putting the rest of the team together," Lowdon added. "Just being part of F1 is not the objective. We need to be a meaningful part of the sport, but we’re aware that can take time." The names of various current and former drivers were brought up by reporters during the Q&A, with the likes of Valtteri Bottas, Sergio Perez, and Logan Sargeant repeatedly popping up. Lowdon avoided focusing on any names, but confirmed that it's talking to both active drivers currently on the grid as well as some off the grid. "It’s important to talk to a number of potential candidates. Do we see experienced capable drivers, very talented drivers who are currently on the grid? Yes we do," he added. "We've only been able to start communications very recently." When I specifically asked if he believed IndyCar drivers (from Andretti) or WEC drivers (from Cadillac) had what it takes to jump into F1, Lowdown didn't provide a straight answer. Instead, he explained that Cadillac F1 was looking for a driver to fit a specific mold or blueprint the team required—and answering whether an IndyCar driver or WEC driver was good enough for F1 wasn't as straightforward. *Got a tip? Email us at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter. ### Author social links [Instagram]()