Vettel Backs Schumacher for F1 Comeback with Cadillac in 2026

Sebastian Vettel on Mick Schumacher’s Formula 1 future and Cadillac’s new team

When a four-time world champion like Sebastian Vettel speaks up in support of a fellow driver, people tend to listen. And when that driver happens to be Mick Schumacher, son of the legendary Michael Schumacher, the conversation takes on a whole different weight. With Formula 1 set to welcome a new team in 2026—Cadillac, in partnership with Andretti—Vettel has thrown his weight behind Schumacher’s potential return to the grid, calling it a “great” development for both the sport and the young German driver.

Cadillac’s Arrival Signals a New Era for Formula 1

The arrival of Cadillac in 2026 is more than just another new name on the F1 entry list. It marks the first time since 2016 that the grid will expand beyond ten teams, adding a fresh dynamic with 22 drivers competing for glory. This expansion is backed by none other than racing icon Mario Andretti, who is serving as a consultant for the project.

There’s been much speculation about who might fill those two vacant race seats. While established names like Sergio Perez and Zhou Guanyu have reportedly been part of early talks, it’s the rumoured interest in Mick Schumacher that’s generating the most intrigue—especially after he was spotted in discussions with Cadillac representatives during the recent Miami Grand Prix weekend.

Schumacher, who is currently racing in the World Endurance Championship with Alpine, has made no secret of his desire to return to Formula 1. The opportunity to do so with a brand-new project like Cadillac, and possibly build something from the ground up, could be exactly what he needs to relaunch his F1 career.

Vettel’s Continued Faith in Mick

Sebastian Vettel waves the Austrian and Brazilian flags after driving Ayrton Senna’s McLaren MP4/8

Sebastian Vettel, who spent years mentoring Schumacher during their time together in the paddock, offered a heartfelt endorsement when asked about the possibility of his return. Speaking to sport.de, the German racing legend didn’t hold back in expressing his support.

“I wish him all the best. We are still in touch,” Vettel said. “I know how things went for him in Formula 1. I think if he comes back, he can definitely keep up with the other drivers.”

It’s a timely vote of confidence. Schumacher’s previous stint in Formula 1 with Haas was marked by difficult machinery and an often-unforgiving environment. Despite showing glimpses of promise, consistency was hard to come by, and he eventually lost his seat. But according to Vettel, those tough years might have been exactly what Mick needed to grow.

“Formula 1 was very difficult for him at Haas, he didn’t feel comfortable there. But now he’s in a completely different place. He’s a much more mature driver,” Vettel said.

A New Chapter with Cadillac?

At just 26 years old by the time 2026 rolls around, Mick Schumacher will still be young by F1 standards—but he’ll also be armed with something he didn’t have during his first stint: experience and perspective.

His time in the WEC with Alpine has helped him develop racecraft in an entirely different environment, pushing him to adapt, manage multi-class traffic, and handle the mental demands of endurance racing. Vettel believes that journey has only strengthened him.

“I think he’s doing a great job in the Endurance Championship with Alpine,” said Vettel. “It would be really great if he could make a return to Formula 1 with Cadillac.”

A fresh start with a fresh team might be exactly what Schumacher needs. Cadillac’s entry, backed by a brand as iconic as General Motors and guided by Andretti’s racing pedigree, is expected to draw significant attention. For a driver like Mick, who carries a famous name but still wants to prove himself on merit, the timing feels almost poetic.

Competition for the Seats: Perez, Zhou and Others

Of course, nothing is guaranteed. Cadillac is casting a wide net as it prepares to build its debut Formula 1 lineup. Alongside Schumacher, names like Sergio Perez and Zhou Guanyu have also been linked to the team.

Perez, currently at Red Bull Racing, faces uncertainty about his long-term future with the reigning champions. While he continues to score points and podiums, his role alongside Max Verstappen has come under scrutiny, and a move to a new team could offer the Mexican driver a fresh environment and leadership role.

Zhou Guanyu, meanwhile, is steadily building his résumé at Sauber (soon to be Audi). Young, marketable, and with a decent level of experience under his belt, Zhou also fits the profile of what a team like Cadillac might want: a driver who can grow with the project.

But for Vettel and Schumacher fans, the ideal scenario is clear: to see Mick not only return to the grid, but thrive as a central figure in Cadillac’s ambitious F1 vision.

The Bigger Picture: What a Schumacher Comeback Would Mean

Formula 1 is no stranger to comebacks. From Niki Lauda’s miraculous return after his accident to Fernando Alonso’s re-entry into the sport with Alpine and then Aston Martin, the sport has long embraced narratives of redemption and resilience.

For Schumacher, returning to F1 would be about more than just racing again—it would be a chance to step out of his father’s shadow and define his own legacy. While comparisons to Michael Schumacher are inevitable, Mick’s career has always taken a different path. His growth through the junior ranks, his F2 championship, and now his endurance racing experience have carved out a career arc that’s uniquely his.

A second chance, especially with a team that isn’t burdened by past expectations, might offer him the clean slate he needs.

Final Thoughts: A Return Worth Backing

The Formula 1 grid in 2026 is set to look very different—with Cadillac joining the ranks and a new crop of drivers ready to stake their claim. Amid all the speculation and team planning, the idea of Mick Schumacher making a comeback carries both emotional weight and sporting intrigue.

Backed by Sebastian Vettel, tested in the crucible of WEC, and perhaps ready for a new beginning, Schumacher’s name might yet shine again on motorsport’s biggest stage. And if Cadillac are looking for a driver who brings both potential and pedigree, they might not need to look much further.

As Vettel put it best: “He’s doing great. It would be really great to see him back.”