Wednesday (17) in Formula 1 was a hectic market with behind-the-scenes discussions about Cadillac’s arrival in 2026. Felipe Drugovich explained where he saw himself in the queue for the new team’s titular spot, Isack Hadjar talked about the possibility of sharing a garage with Max Verstappen in the future, Bernie Ecclestone again criticized the Hamilton-Ferrari partnership, and Cadillac detailed that they have not yet chosen their reserve driver for their debut.
Drugovich revealed that in conversations with the American team, he “believed he was third in line” for the titular spot – behind Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas – and did not hide that he is still eyeing opportunities for 2026 and beyond. The Brazilian evaluated the project’s progress positively but recognized that the definition of the main lineup made the path narrower in the short term. “That was the feeling I had,” he stated, commenting on the internal dispute for space.
Meanwhile, Hadjar made it clear that he would enthusiastically view a scenario where he could be Verstappen’s teammate. The Frenchman from Racing Bulls described the hypothesis as “exciting” and highlighted how much he would learn alongside the Dutchman, currently the technical reference on the grid. The comment reinforces how the young driver positions himself on the board of available spots for the next phase of the F1 rules cycle.
Outside the teams’ paddock, Ecclestone again criticized Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari. The former boss classified the partnership as “awkward,” questioning the sports and political compatibility between the parties. The statement echoes behind-the-scenes opinions that still see the relationship in an adjustment phase, despite the immediate media impact.
On the Cadillac side, chief Graeme Lowdon confirmed that the team has not yet defined their reserve driver for 2026. According to him, the choice will be “based on merit” – having an American passport may weigh commercially, but it will not be decisive – and the topic has gained priority now that Bottas and Perez are secured as titulares. Lowdon also reminded that the “timing” outside the 2025 market may offer good strategic opportunities at the end of the year.
