AUGUST 13, 2025

Drivers not Cadillac's top priority says Ralf

With Formula 1's August shutdown in full swing, one of the few emerging headlines is that Cadillac has apparently settled on Sergio Perez as one of its 2026 race drivers - with an announcement expected shortly after the summer break.

The new American team has also been strongly linked to Valtteri Bottas, despite consistently hinting it wanted to pair an experienced name with a younger driver. Felipe Drugovich remains a contender, while Mick Schumacher now appears unlikely.

Ralf Schumacher - the six-time grand prix winner and uncle of Mick - told Bild newspaper: "The drivers are the least of their problems.

"They only have 400 people - and they have to build an entire team. Extremely ambitious. I'm looking forward to it, but it will be a sporting challenge.

Will they rise like a phoenix from the ashes? Or will they stay on the ground?

Another topic filling the summer lull is the tightening McLaren title fight between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. I would have said Lando was the more complete driver before, Ralf said. "But Oscar has overcome his weaknesses from last year.

"He was too harsh on the tyres and couldn't keep up with the race pace. Now he has strong nerves and is fast. I see them both on the same level. One retirement or one mistake can decide the World Championship.

But I do see the danger with Oscar of taking too many risks when he sees the title in front of him. That can sometimes go wrong.

Schumacher also welcomed the idea of Christian Horner - long the subject of his calls to step down at Red Bull - making a comeback at Alpine.

I think the time for figures like Flavio (Briatore) is over. You need technically skilled people at the top, someone like Horner, said the German.

Flavio could then help as an organiser and a networker - as a face to the outside world.

(GMM)