Cadillac will officially enter F1 in 2026
The world of Formula 1 has long awaited welcoming a new contender in General Motors, under its Cadillac brand, and now the entry is formally confirmed for the 2026 championship. This historic entry marks a significant milestone for both GM and American motorsport, as Cadillac becomes the 11th team in the championship, bringing exciting competition to the pinnacle of racing.
MOTORSPORT.COM
Cadillac's F1 entry was initially proposed in collaboration with Andretti Global, but the bid was rejected by Formula One Management (FOM) due to concerns over its potential value to the sport. The rejection sparked widespread debate, with Michael Andretti vocally challenging the decision, even garnering attention from U.S. Congress and the Department of Justice.
However, a revised approach led by Dan Towriss’s TWG Group saw Cadillac's bid receive the green light. The FIA had already approved the entry in October 2023, but FOM's final approval came in March 2025, securing Cadillac’s place on the 2026 grid.
The Silverstone-based team will initially compete as a Ferrari customer outfit, utilizing the Italian marque's power units. However, Cadillac has confirmed plans to develop its own power unit in 2028, aiming to become a fully independent competitor in F1.
Former Marussia team boss Graeme Lowdon is leading the project, supported by an experienced technical team, including veteran engineer Pat Symonds and ex-Renault engine chief Rob White. With the sweeping regulation changes set for 2026, Cadillac enters F1 at a pivotal moment, looking to maximize its potential from the outset.
For years, Formula 1 has struggled to establish a truly American presence, despite the recent surge in popularity fueled by races in Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas. Haas F1, the current U.S.-flagged team, hasn't massively succeeded in capturing the hearts of American fans, partly due to its close ties with European suppliers and lack of American talent.
Cadillac has an opportunity to change that narrative. With General Motors' deep-rooted racing heritage—including victories at Le Mans, Daytona, and IndyCar—the brand brings instant credibility. To solidify its status as America's F1 team, Cadillac must embrace its U.S. identity through branding, marketing, and most importantly, its driver lineup.
One of the biggest talking points surrounding Cadillac’s entry is the driver lineup. IndyCar star Colton Herta has emerged as a prime candidate, given his experience in open-wheel racing and previous F1 tests with McLaren. However, Herta has expressed hesitation about leaving his current team, Andretti Autosport, stating, “I'd be leaving a great group of people I really like working with, so it's not a sure thing for me.”
Beyond Herta, other American drivers such as Josef Newgarden and Kyle Larson could be considered, though their backgrounds in oval racing may present challenges in adapting to F1. Regardless of who fills the seats, Cadillac must ensure its drivers resonate with U.S. fans to maximize its impact.
With just over a year until its debut, Cadillac F1 has an intense period of development ahead. Graeme Lowdon has assured fans that the project is progressing well, stating, “We don’t just want to turn up and race, we want to be as competitive as we possibly can be.”
As F1 continues to expand its presence in the United States, Cadillac’s arrival could mark the beginning of a new chapter in American motorsport history. Whether it can challenge the established teams remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the excitement surrounding Cadillac’s entry is undeniable.
