American driver Jak Crawford has expressed concerns that it would be a “missed opportunity” for Cadillac if he were to win this year’s Formula 2 championship and not secure a seat with their new Formula 1 team. With the franchise set to debut as F1’s 11th team in 2026, the pressure is mounting on Cadillac to finalise its driver lineup.
Jak Crawford Warns Cadillac of ‘Missed Opportunity’ for F1 Seat
Currently sitting second in the Formula 2 standings, the 20-year-old Charlotte native has drawn attention for his performances in the feeder series, which acts as a support event for F1 weekends. Crawford’s desire for an F1 seat aligns with Cadillac’s intentions to feature an American driver, a move they previously indicated was a priority.
In a recent interview, Crawford shared insights about his discussions with Cadillac, stating, “I think looking at it from my side, if I was to win the championship in F2 or finish very high, it would almost be a missed opportunity to not have an American driver in the seat.”
Conversations with Cadillac
His comments underline a growing expectation that the team should leverage homegrown talent as they step into the prestigious world of Formula 1.
Cadillac’s driver selection process remains fluid, with sources indicating that established names like Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas are on the team’s radar. However, these drivers may also attract interest from other teams, such as Alpine. Cadillac boss Graeme Lowdon has remarked that finalizing the driver lineup is not currently a top priority, as focus shifts towards the overall team operations.
Crawford elaborated on the uncertainty surrounding the team’s decisions, noting, “It’s a big, big waiting game. It doesn’t feel like there’s much anyone can do at the moment.” Despite this limbo, he remains focused on his current goals in Formula 2, where performance is crucial for his aspirations in F1.
Linked by More than Just Nationality
Crawford has a unique connection to Cadillac beyond his American heritage; he is currently a reserve driver for the Andretti Formula E team, which is involved in Cadillac’s F1 venture. His role in Formula E provides an additional layer of familiarity that could work in his favour as Cadillac looks to build its team.
Cadillac’s journey toward their inaugural F1 race is not only a sporting ambition but also a cultural event, set to be captured in a Disney+ documentary featuring Hollywood star Keanu Reeves. As accolades in Formula 2 roll in for Crawford, all eyes will be on Cadillac to see whether they capitalize on their opportunities—and if a homegrown talent will join their ranks come 2026.
