Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsport, is set to welcome a bold new contender in 2026. On March 7, 2025, the FIA and Formula 1 officially confirmed that Cadillac’s green light for 2026 F1 entry has been finalized, marking a historic moment for the American automaker and the sport itself. This isn’t just another team joining the grid—it’s a transformative step that blends American automotive heritage with the global spectacle of F1 racing. Buckle up as we dive into what this means for Cadillac, Formula 1, and fans worldwide.
The Journey to the F1 Grid
From Andretti to Cadillac: A Rocky Road
The story of Cadillac’s F1 entry didn’t begin smoothly. Initially, the bid to join Formula 1 stemmed from Andretti Global, led by Michael Andretti, son of the legendary 1978 F1 World Champion Mario Andretti. Despite their motorsport pedigree, Andretti’s proposal faced resistance from F1’s existing teams and Liberty Media, who were concerned about diluting prize money and the sport’s exclusivity. However, a pivotal shift occurred when General Motors (GM), Cadillac’s parent company, stepped in with a fresh vision.
Partnering with TWG Motorsports, led by businessman Dan Towriss, GM rebranded the effort under the Cadillac banner. This wasn’t just a name change—it signalled a deeper commitment from a global automotive giant. By late 2024, an agreement in principle was reached, and after rigorous sporting, technical, and commercial assessments, the news broke: Cadillac had given the green light for the 2026 F1 entry. The approval, announced between the Las Vegas and Qatar Grand Prix, cemented Cadillac’s place as the 11th team on the grid.
Why Cadillac? A Brand Built for Speed
Cadillac isn’t new to performance. Known for luxury and innovation, the brand has a rich history in American motorsport, from dominating IMSA races to powering high-performance road cars like the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. Entering F1 aligns perfectly with Cadillac’s ambition to showcase its engineering prowess on a global stage. With GM backing the project, this isn’t a fleeting experiment—it’s a long-term investment in motorsport excellence.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem called it a “transformative moment,” highlighting how Cadillac’s entry aligns with the sport’s evolution under the 2026 regulations. For fans, it’s a chance to see an American icon take on European titans like Ferrari and Mercedes.
What to Expect from Cadillac in 2026
Powering Up with Ferrari
One of the most intriguing aspects of Cadillac’s F1 debut is its technical partnership with Ferrari. For its first two seasons, Cadillac will use customers’ Ferrari engines and gearboxes. This multi-year deal gives the team a competitive foundation while GM develops its power unit, slated for 2028. This collaboration is a testament to Cadillac’s strategic approach: learn from the best, then build your legacy.
Ferrari’s engines have a storied history in F1, powering teams to championships and podiums. For Cadillac, this partnership offers reliability and performance out of the gate, which is crucial for a newcomer aiming to make a splash. By 2028, when Cadillac’s in-house power unit debuts, the team aims to compete as a works outfit, joining the likes of Honda and Audi in F1’s power unit revolution.
The Team Behind the Wheel
Cadillac isn’t starting from scratch. The team has assembled a roster of motorsport heavyweights to ensure success. Graeme Lowdon, former Marussia boss, steps in as team principal, bringing decades of F1 experience. Technical director Nick Chester, with stints at Renault and Williams, adds engineering expertise, while Pat Symonds, a veteran of Benetton and Renault’s championship-winning days, consults on the project. This blend of talent signals Cadillac’s intent to compete, not just participate.
The team’s base at Silverstone, the heart of F1’s technical corridor, and a planned engine facility near Hendrick Motorsports in North Carolina further solidify its infrastructure. With Cadillac given the green light for 2the 026 F1 entry, the clock is ticking to turn this dream into a race-ready reality.
Who Will Drive for Cadillac?
Speculation is rife about Cadillac’s driver lineup. Sources suggest the team wants a mix of experience and American talent. Sergio Perez, the former Red Bull driver with six F1 wins, has reportedly agreed to terms, bringing veteran savvy to the squad. For the second seat, IndyCar star Colton Herta is a frontrunner, pending an FIA super license. Other names like Daniel Ricciardo and Valtteri Bottas have surfaced, but pairing Perez with Herta could perfectly balance proven skill with national pride.
Mario Andretti, though no longer operationally involved, remains a director and will select the drivers—a nod to the family’s enduring motorsport legacy. Cadillac’s debut will be a must-watch for anyone who takes the wheel.
Why This Matters for Formula 1
Expanding the Grid and the Audience
The addition of Cadillac as the 11th team—the first new squad since Haas in 2016—marks a significant expansion for F1. With 22 cars on the grid in 2026, races will be more competitive, and the sport’s growing U.S. fanbase, fueled by Netflix’s Drive to Survive and races like Miami and Las Vegas, will have a homegrown team to cheer for. The timing couldn’t be better as F1’s popularity in America soars.
Stefano Domenicali, F1’s CEO, praised GM’s commitment, noting it as a “positive demonstration of the evolution of our sport.” Cadillac’s entry isn’t just about adding a team—it’s about broadening F1’s global appeal and tapping into the lucrative U.S. market.
A Boost for the 2026 Regulations
Cadillac’s arrival coincides with F1’s major 2026 overhaul, featuring new power unit and chassis rules designed to attract manufacturers. GM’s decision to join reflects confidence in these changes, which prioritize sustainability and innovation—values Cadillac aims to embody. By committing to its unit by 2028, Cadillac is poised to shape F1’s technological future alongside giants like Audi and Honda.
Challenges Ahead for Cadillac
Building a Competitive Car
Entering F1 is no small feat. With just over a year until the 2026 season, Cadillac faces a steep challenge: designing a car that can hold its own against teams with decades of experience. Lowdon has emphasized the team’s access to F1 data as a game-changer, but translating that into speed on the track requires precision and time—both in short supply.
Winning Over Skeptics
Some existing teams initially opposed Cadillac’s entry, fearing a smaller slice of the prize pool. While commercial terms have been settled, Cadillac must prove it brings value beyond diluting the pot. Success on the track will silence doubters, but as Haas learned, breaking into F1’s midfield—let alone the podium—is a marathon, not a sprint.
The Bigger Picture: Cadillac’s F1 Legacy
Inspiring the Next Generation
Beyond racing, Cadillac’s presence could inspire future engineers, drivers, and fans. Ben Sulayem noted the team’s potential to “push motorsport’s boundaries,” a sentiment echoed by GM President Mark Reuss, who sees F1 as a platform to showcase Cadillac’s innovation. For young Americans dreaming of F1, Cadillac offers a tangible connection to the sport.
A New American Motorsport Chapter
Cadillac given green light for 2026 F1 entry isn’t just a win for GM—it’s a milestone for American motorsport. With Haas as the only U.S.-based team since 2016, Cadillac’s arrival doubles the Stars and Stripes on the grid, blending Detroit’s automotive grit with F1’s glamorous chaos. It’s a fusion of cultures that could redefine what American racing means on the world stage.
Final Thoughts: Ready, Set, Race!
As the countdown to 2026 begins, Cadillac’s F1 journey promises excitement, challenges, and a fresh narrative for a sport at its peak. With Cadillac given the green light for 2the 026 F1 entry, the team has a golden opportunity to carve its name into F1 history. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, Cadillac’s debut is a storyline worth following. From Ferrari-powered beginnings to a future as a works team, this is more than a race—it’s a revolution on wheels. Are you ready for the ride?
