​IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectDespite having two experienced drivers under contract, reports suggest that the Cadillac Formula 1 Team could make a substantial change for 2027.Newcomers on the grid in 2026, Cadillac opted for a driver pairing of Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas. With 16 wins and 106 podiums between them while driving for Red Bull and Mercedes, respectively, the hope was that the pair would provide valuable feedback and professionalism to help guide the fledgling team through its early stages of F1 development. That’s exactly what Pérez has given the team, according to team principal Marcin Budkowski before this past weekend’s United States Grand Prix.However, Budkowski said little about Bottas’ impact and was noncommittal about whether or not the team’s lineup was locked in for next year. He did mention other drivers have been contacting the team, but no contract discussions or news would be given during press conferences. Rather, any news would come through the team via official press releases. The non-committal responses immediately sparked speculation that the veteran Finn could be replaced after just one season, with The Race reporting that the team is still considering Colton Herta for the second seat.Naturally, Bottas did not appear concerned by the recent reports, stating that he knows what his situation is and that it’s “all good”. There may also be challenges to replacing Bottas, as there is belief within the paddock that he and Pérez had joined Cadillac on multi-year deals. It’s unclear if the deals are guaranteed for two years, or whether it could be a 1+1 situation where next year is optional. This means that the contract could be cut short, as seen when Lewis Hamilton cut his similar deal with Mercedes short to join Ferrari.Top CandidatesIf Bottas is replaced, then Herta is the favorite for the seat, being Cadillac’s current test and reserve driver. He has participated in four Free Practice 1 sessions with the team, and it is no secret that Cadillac would like to have an American driver in the future. However, the 26-year-old remains two points, perhaps even just one, shy of achieving his FIA Super License.There is some debate about Herta’s points, as Cadillac believes he has 39, one short but external counters put the number at 38, two short.After a disappointing season in Formula 2, where he currently ranks 19th, Herta has limited options to try to earn the points needed to qualify to race in Formula 1. If Cadillac truly believes Herta can be the answer next year, the team could give him two more FP1 sessions to reach the threshold. However, that was not part of their original plan, and the team would need to alter its plans for the remaining five races to accommodate Herta. Doing so would be a clear indication of the team’s intent and could see rumors spread quickly.Herta’s lack of immediate eligibility could give other candidates an opportunity to impress the team and secure a permanen