Cadillac is expected to secure a driver "before the summer break."

      The "silly season" for driver changes in the 2026 Formula 1 season is picking up pace. Some view Christian Horner's surprising dismissal as a desperate attempt by Red Bull to keep Max Verstappen, though reports of him meeting Toto Wolff in Sardinia this week have turned out to be inaccurate. Still, former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher believes the four-time world champion might actually make the switch.

      "We're hearing that Mercedes management is very interested in Verstappen," he told Sport1. "If they show him that they will do everything to bring him on board, he will likely make the move because he really wants to win and needs something new to achieve that. The challenge is that he’s with a team that has done everything for him, and it’s not easy to give that up," Schumacher added. "I still think there will be developments after the summer break. I can’t envision him staying because I suspect Red Bull will take three to five years to rebuild and return to the top."

      If Verstappen leaves, Kelly’s brother, Nelson Piquet Jr., believes it’s clear that the Dutchman will be teamed with Kimi Antonelli. This might result in George Russell moving to Red Bull, likely collaborating with Isack Hadjar. The New Zealand Herald reports that as Hadjar is likely to be promoted, it is "increasingly likely" that Liam Lawson will be retained by Racing Bulls. Lawson's rookie teammate would then be Arvid Lindblad, who recently received his FIA super license at just 17 and is now frequently driving Red Bull-owned F1 cars.

      The British-Swedish talent made his F1 practice debut for Red Bull Racing at Silverstone. "Lindblad was back in the car the week after the Silverstone GP," advisor Dr. Helmut Marko disclosed to Speed Week. "He completed over 100 laps and showed excellent physical fitness along with competitive lap times."

      Meanwhile, amid speculations that Sergio Perez may have already signed quietly, Auto Motor und Sport indicates that Cadillac is expected to announce its first driver for 2026 "before the summer break." Valtteri Bottas was seen conversing with team boss Graeme Lowdon during the British GP weekend, while younger drivers like Felipe Drugovich, Frederik Vesti, and Mick Schumacher have also been mentioned.

      "Bottas, Schumacher, and Drugovich spoke with Cadillac officials during the Silverstone weekend," reporter Michael Schmidt noted. "However, no contracts have been signed yet." Schmidt mentions that at least one signing is "urgent," as only inexperienced American drivers have been used in the simulator thus far. "Indycar driver Colton Herta is only a candidate once Cadillac is established in Formula 1," he added. Cadillac is said to want to kick-start its on-track preparations with experienced drivers. "For the so-called TPC tests, Cadillac will receive a 2023 Ferrari from its future engine partner," Schmidt revealed.