Cadillac faces pressure as rumors about Bottas intensify.

      Formula 1's silly season is heating up in Montreal - not just at the front of the grid. While speculation surrounding Max Verstappen and the leading teams continues to capture attention, new rumors are emerging about the struggling newcomer, Cadillac.

      According to esteemed Italian journalist Roberto Chinchero from Sky Italia, Valtteri Bottas is under significant pressure following another challenging qualifying session alongside teammate Sergio Perez. Bottas was a considerable eight tenths behind Perez in both qualifying rounds in Montreal. "We don’t know if he experienced brake issues," Chinchero noted. "But eight or ten tenths is substantial. I don't see his position as very secure."

      Cadillac entered Formula 1 with a seasoned lineup aimed at stabilizing the project during its difficult initial seasons; however, Chinchero hinted that the team might be reevaluating its long-term strategy. "It’s only May, but the driver market is already quite active," he mentioned. "Conversations regarding Bottas’s role are taking place at Cadillac."

      The Italian also suggested that Perez himself might not be fully invested in the American endeavor for the long term. "Perez has reached out to other teams," Chinchero disclosed. "The indication is that he doesn't want to retire; he wishes to continue."

      Chinchero, therefore, speculated that at least one seat at Cadillac could become available for 2027 - and possibly both. "I predict that at least one of the two won't be there next year," he stated. "There’s a chance that both could be gone."

      This situation could pave the way for younger talent as Cadillac transitions from survival mode to focusing on the future. The name most closely associated with this potential shift is the highly regarded American IndyCar driver Colton Herta, who is accumulating super licence points in Formula 2. "There's Colton Herta," Chinchero remarked. "If he secures the super licence, I believe he’ll have a clear path into Cadillac."