Ralf Schumacher suggests Cadillac replace Bottas with Ocon

Former racing driver Ralf Schumacher has suggested that Cadillac should replace Valtteri Bottas with Esteban Ocon for the 2027 Formula 1 season. Speaking on the Sky Deutschland podcast ‘Backstage Boxengasse’, Schumacher stated that Bottas’s competitive career has effectively ended and suggested the Finn should ‘pick up his bike and enjoy life’.

Schumacher emphasized that his comments were based purely on sporting performance rather than personal feelings, describing Bottas as ‘totally sympathetic’. He argued that Ocon would be an immediate choice for the American team, noting Ocon’s previous working relationship with Cadillac’s new director, Marcin Budkowski.

Currently, both Bottas and teammate Sergio Pérez have struggled to score points in Cadillac’s debut campaign. Bottas has faced reliability issues, including eight retirements this season. While both drivers are currently under multi-year contracts, Schumacher and commentator Peter Hardenacke highlighted Ocon as a superior alternative for the team’s future lineup.