Sources: 
Cadillac is intensifying pressure on Aston Martin to test Valtteri Bottas amid a fierce competition for a coveted Formula 1 seat ahead of Cadillac's debut season next year.
The American manufacturer is seeking an "
experienced F1 driver" to anchor their entry, with Bottas and Sergio Perez reportedly in a tight race for the role.
Aston Martin, currently in a rebuilding phase since its 2001 rebranding from Racing Point, faces additional challenges as their two reserve drivers, Felipe Drugovich and Stoffel Vandoorne, are committed to the 24 Hours of Le Mans during the same weekend as the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal.
This scheduling conflict complicates Aston Martin's ability to provide adequate testing opportunities for Bottas, who is seen as a prime candidate by Cadillac.
"Bottas is believed to be in a tight race with Sergio Perez to become the ‘experienced F1 driver’ Cadillac have reportedly said they need for their debut F1 season next year," sources say.
Meanwhile, Aston Martin's current drivers have had mixed success, with Fernando Alonso achieving seven podiums early in the season, while Lance Stroll has only three podiums in 174 starts, highlighting the team's ongoing rebuilding efforts.
The pressure from Cadillac underscores the high stakes involved as teams prepare for the upcoming season, with driver line-ups and testing opportunities playing a crucial role in competitive readiness.
As Aston Martin navigates these challenges, the outcome of the Bottas-Perez battle will significantly impact Cadillac's F1 debut and the broader driver market dynamics.
Sources: Cadillac is pressuring Aston Martin to test Valtteri Bottas amid a competitive driver battle for their debut Formula 1 season. Bottas faces off against Sergio Perez as Cadillac seeks an experienced driver, while Aston Martin grapples with reserve drivers committed to Le Mans during the Canadian Grand Prix weekend.
