Why the Cadillac F1 chief sparked new curiosity by sidestepping a question about drivers

The trigger was a gentle question from one of the broadcasters regarding Perez’s impending 300th grand prix appearance: “How challenging is it to assess a driver who’s competing at the back of the grid, especially when it seems he is having a stronger season than his teammate? And just to touch on drivers, would you be open to discussing a reserve role with Esteban [Ocon]?”

In attempting to provide a suitably bland non-response, Budkowski began to stumble.

“Look, for a driver like Checo, who, as you mentioned, possesses a wealth of experience and numerous races, I can assure you he doesn't act or drive like someone nearing retirement,” he said.

“He’s pushing very hard on the track. He’s also pushing us quite intensely behind the scenes, in the debriefing rooms and outside, regularly texting me and other team members to encourage us to improve. He’s hungry, he’s driven, and that’s genuinely inspiring to witness. He has his own unique style.

Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac Racing

“We have two drivers: one is more fiery and the other is probably more composed, if we can put it that way. They each motivate the team in their own distinct manners, but Checo is indeed pushing us very hard. Observing his body language on the grid, when he puts on his helmet and enters the car, he prepares for a battle. There’s a lot of passion, a lot of drive, so it’s truly impressive for a driver with his level of experience.

“At the same time, we’re benefiting from his feedback and insights as an experienced driver. So yes, it’s a very advantageous combination.

“And regarding the second question about Esteban Ocon? Well, as a team principal, and I’m sure my colleagues experience the same, I receive calls and inquiries from every driver or manager available. Numerous drivers and managers have reached out to me.

“I won’t disclose who has been in touch or who hasn’t, but essentially all those on the market have contacted me, as you would expect. However, I think it’s the least likely place where I would share any details about our driver lineup.”

If William Shakespeare were present, he would likely have scribbled a note suggesting that the gentleman protests too much. Fortunately for the Cadillac team principal, Adrian Newey was in attendance and attracted the majority of subsequent inquiries.

Motorsport.com has learned that Ocon is very unlikely to join Cadillac, given that he and Perez did not get along well when they last shared a team. It is believed he will most likely become Aston Martin’s third driver.

Regardless of whether Cadillac retains Bottas for 2027, it is known that the team’s owners are eager to have an American driver in a race seat as soon as possible. Lowdon's unexpected replacement this summer indicates that General Motors and TWG Motorsports have expectations that appear to be ahead of the team's current trajectory.

Cadillac had Colton Herta participate in FP1 at the Circuit of The Americas, but he is considered an outside candidate for any race opportunities since he is one point shy of qualifying for a superlicence due to the FIA altering the qualification criteria. If he manages to get significant running in another session this year, he will qualify – but his rather inconsistent Formula 2 season this year isn’t a robust selling point.

“Clearly, having an American driver in an American team is a compelling narrative,” Budkowski told Sky Sports this weekend.

“It needs to be the right timing and the right driver. But we're actively pursuing that. We're working on that with Colton.

“There are some exceptionally promising American talents emerging as well. We've seen Ugo Ugochukwu winning in F3. We've got [Sebastian] Wheldon progressing to F3 next year.

“So there’s a lot of potential here and we will certainly explore that.”