Cadillac criticised for overlooking midfield star to lead F1 team in 2026

F1 legend Riccardo Patrese has criticised Cadillac, describing their first driver line-up as “nothing particular.”

On Tuesday, Cadillac introduced Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez as their F1 driver line-up for 2026.

Bottas and Perez are two F1 veterans, profitable a number of races for Mercedes and Pink Bull, respectively.

Bottas confirmed in his last season at Sauber that he nonetheless has the pace to compete in F1, even when he failed to attain a single level.

Perez’s repute has solely been enhanced by Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson’s Pink Bull struggles.

Earlier than Pink Bull, Perez was referred to as F1’s ‘king of the midfield’, typically over-performing in subpar equipment.

Cadillac’s line-up has led to a combined response.

Some really feel it is sensible for Cadillac to go for two skilled, dependable drivers.

It may be argued that Bottas and Perez are the quickest choices obtainable available on the market.

Nevertheless, Cadillac have been presumably too conservative and a brand new group on the grid ought to have opened up a chance for a younger driver.

Patrese’s suggestion

Patrese feels that Cadillac ought to have opted for Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg.

Hulkenberg scored his maiden F1 podium on the 2025 British Grand Prix, ending third.

The German out-performed Perez throughout their three years as teammates at Power India.

“If the group needs to sleep a little bit bit, in all probability that could be a sensible choice. I imply, Bottas and Perez?,” Patrese advised RacingTipster.

“They already proved they’re good drivers, however nothing particular. I don’t know. The issue is, in the event that they don’t get them, who will they get? However Nico Hulkenburg. They need to go for him.

“Between Bottas and Perez, I ought to get Hulkenberg. I feel Hulkenberg proved himself once more at Silverstone. Ten years in the past, I feel he actually confirmed he had the potential to be superb.

“In the event that they search for an skilled driver as a result of they need to construct a brand new automobile, my first selection must be Hulkenberg. Then possibly, Perez, or Bottas. However Bottas and Perez collectively? I don’t know.”