Esteban Ocon targets Cadillac seat for 2027 Formula 1 season

French driver Esteban Ocon is setting his sights on extending his Formula 1 career with Cadillac from the 2027 season. Unconfirmed reports suggest that Ocon and his management team have already made contact with the American outfit to explore a potential move. At this stage, it remains uncertain whether the current Haas driver has a realistic shot at securing a seat, even after Cadillac team principal Marcin Budkowski refused to guarantee the spots of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas for next season.

Vacancies on the Formula 1 grid are becoming increasingly scarce after Haas announced last week that Rafael Camara will step into Ocon's seat. Only a few final details remain before Oliver Bearman is officially locked in alongside Camara at the American team. Meanwhile, Racing Bulls have yet to confirm their lineup, with current regulars Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad, alongside Formula 2 title contender Nikola Tsolov, in the frame for the two seats.

It was long assumed that Cadillac would retain Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas for the upcoming campaign, a direction established under former chief Graeme Lowdon. However, Marcin Budkowski, who took the helm during the summer break, has declined to confirm whether those plans will materialize.

Speaking during the United States Grand Prix weekend in Austin, Budkowski took a firm stance:

Budkowski's comments offer a glimmer of hope to Ocon that the door at the American team may not be entirely closed. Nevertheless, the Cadillac boss avoided naming specific candidates: