O’Ward compares Cadillac link to Alonso-Taylor Swift gossip

Pato O’Ward has poured cold water on speculation linking him to Cadillac’s upcoming Formula 1 entry in 2026.

While Cadillac team bosses Graeme Lowdon and Dan Towriss have confirmed talks with experienced drivers such as Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, rumours of a potential American or North American driver appear to be fading.

"I don't think they'll take a US driver because the risk is simply too great," former Haas boss Gunther Steiner told RTL.

"Those guys have no experience in Formula 1, and then it can quickly backfire. That doesn't help anyone."

Although names like Colton Herta and Alex Palou have been floated in the past, both now seem out of contention.

O’Ward, who races for McLaren in Indycar, has also been loosely linked, but he’s having none of it.

"That was pure smoke and mirrors," the 26-year-old told Medio Tiempo. "I think the rumour about me moving to Cadillac is like the one about Fernando Alonso dating Taylor Swift," he laughed.

McLaren CEO Zak Brown, when asked if he would release O’Ward, admitted: "I wouldn't like it, but I wouldn't stop him."

Even Cadillac F1 ambassador Mario Andretti joked that he might have to "fight" McLaren to secure O’Ward’s release.

The latest reports suggest that Jack Doohan, dropped from Alpine’s race cockpit early this season, could be in the frame. However, long-linked candidate Mick Schumacher appears to remain a serious contender.

"I think Mick has a good chance," said Steiner, who previously let Schumacher go at Haas. "Cadillac needs a driver with Formula 1 experience, and there aren't many drivers currently who don't have a job but have driven in Formula 1."

Steiner added that Schumacher’s time with Mercedes could prove valuable.

"Mick is also a very nice person and has learned a lot about a good, large team," he said. "This knowledge of how a successful team works could help Cadillac."