Cadillac calls reports of a Rafael Camara move “unsubstantiated,” but Dan Towriss has stopped short of guaranteeing an unchanged 2027 lineup.
Cadillac has dismissed reports linking Rafael Camara to a 2027 Formula 1 seat, calling the speculation “unsubstantiated,” though it stopped short of guaranteeing an unchanged driver lineup.
That distinction carries weight. Cadillac has already changed course quickly this week, with Marcin Budkowski replacing Graeme Lowdon as team principal during the summer break.
Cadillac keeps its options open
CEO Dan Towriss rejected the Camara rumor but acknowledged that “things can change.” That measured stance keeps the Brazilian prospect in the silly-season discussion without confirming any negotiations.
No deal has been announced.
Camara belongs to McLaren’s development program and has tested for the team while chasing a future race opportunity. Cadillac faces a different immediate priority. The American operation needs to steady its first Formula 1 campaign under Budkowski before determining whether a 2027 driver change fits that effort.
Perez talk adds another element
Sergio Perez has also been linked by rumor to Williams. Cadillac insists the talk hasn’t distracted the team, but it creates a clear chain reaction. A Perez move would leave a Cadillac seat open and expand the market for drivers such as Camara.
There’s no confirmed vacancy today.
Even so, the team’s leadership has declined to publicly lock down next season. That gives Budkowski flexibility as he evaluates Cadillac’s personnel and competitive direction over the final 12 rounds of 2026.
Budkowski takes over a moving target
Budkowski spoke with “over half” of the Formula 1 grid before selecting Cadillac, according to recent reporting. His appointment came suddenly, and Towriss confirmed that Lowdon’s departure was not a mutual decision.
Such a major change places every significant sporting decision under review, including the driver lineup. Budkowski previously held a Formula 1 leadership role with Alpine, while Lowdon steered Cadillac through its formation and entry into the championship.
Results will influence the 2027 decision
Cadillac’s driver choice will be measured against its progress through a difficult debut season. The next test comes at Zandvoort, where the Dutch Grand Prix takes place from August 21 through 23 as Round 12.
Formula 1 then travels to Monza on September 4 through 6. Those weekends will give Budkowski an immediate view of Cadillac under race pressure, while Camara continues searching for a Formula 1 opportunity without a confirmed 2027 deal.
