Bottas’ Cadillac seat for 2027 remains uncertain

Valtteri Bottas is back at the centre of Formula 1 driver market speculation after Cadillac declined to confirm its line-up for 2027. During the team representatives’ press conference in Austin, team principal Marcin Budkowski avoided giving a firm answer on whether the Finn and Sergio Perez would retain their seats.

According to Autosport, both drivers’ contracts contain conditions governing a second season. Describing the agreements as multi-year deals therefore does not, by itself, guarantee an unchanged line-up. Bottas’ weaker performances relative to Perez have added to the questions surrounding his future.

Budkowski acknowledged that numerous drivers and managers had contacted him, but stressed that any decisions would be communicated through official team announcements. His refusal to confirm the contracts leaves the issue open.

Colton Herta is among the potential candidates after driving in first practice in Austin. The American told RACER that he wants a full-time Formula 1 seat as soon as possible and hopes to gain clarity on Cadillac’s plans in the coming weeks.

For now, Cadillac has announced neither a split with Bottas nor a replacement. However, the management’s public answers have failed to provide the certainty the Finn would welcome heading into the demanding final stretch of the season.