It’s official: Cadillac will be the 11th team on the Formula 1 grid in 2026!
After months of uncertainty and tense negotiations, the FIA and FOM have officially approved the entry of the American giant, backed by General Motors. The brand will debut with a customer Ferrari engine before developing its own power unit by 2028. Cadillac F1 Team’s arrival marks a turning point for F1, as it finally secures a fully committed American manufacturer.
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Cadillac almost never made it to F1
Cadillac’s path to Formula 1 has been anything but smooth. Originally launched under the Andretti Global banner, the project faced strong resistance from existing teams, who feared a dilution of commercial rights revenue. Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari were among those blocking discussions, demanding solid financial guarantees. However, General Motors’ presence behind Cadillac ultimately convinced FOM. A major player in the automotive industry, GM represents a strategic asset for F1, particularly in the booming U.S. market, fueled by the success of Drive to Survive. The promise of a fully GM-developed engine by 2028 also played a key role in securing the green light, ensuring a long-term commitment to the sport.
A solid structure taking shape
Cadillac F1 Team is not starting from scratch—it is building a strong operational foundation. The team will have two bases: One in the U.S. for engine development, and one in the UK (Silverstone) for chassis design. Graeme Lowdon, former Marussia F1 team boss, will lead the operation, while Nick Chester, a Renault F1 veteran, will oversee technical development. Ties with Ferrari will be crucial in the early years. Besides using Ferrari’s engine, Cadillac may also rely on Maranello’s suspension components, giving it a significant advantage in fine-tuning its first car. Wind tunnel testinghas already begun, and the first chassis is expected by January 2026, just before winter testing.
Who will drive for Cadillac in 2026?
Driver selection remains unclear, but having an American driver on the grid is a priority. With F1’s growing U.S. fanbase, a local driver at Cadillac would be a huge publicity boost. Colton Herta, currently in IndyCar, is one of the top candidates. However, an experienced driver will also be essential to guide the team in its early years. Names like Valtteri Bottas or Nico Hülkenberg could be considered for their technical expertise and development skills.
A major boost for F1 in the U.S.
Cadillac’s entry sends a strong message about F1’s American expansion. With three U.S. Grand Prix (Miami, Austin, Las Vegas) and a rapidly growing audience, having a fully American team is a major milestone. With General Motors’ vast resources, the team has the financial backing to invest heavily. While it will take time to challenge the top teams, Cadillac has the potential to shake up the grid in the coming years.
Cadillac Almost Never Made It to F1
For reference, here are the teams that will compete in Formula 1 for the 2026 season:
- Scuderia Ferrari will continue its longstanding presence in the sport.
- Mercedes-AMG Petronas will also remain on the grid.
- McLaren will use Mercedes-Benz engines.
- Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team will partner with Honda for their power units starting in 2026.
- BWT Alpine F1 Team will switch from Renault to Mercedes-Benz engines.
- Racing Bulls, associated with Red Bull, will have their engines powered by Ford.
- Audi enters the grid by taking over the Stake Sauber team and will introduce its own engines.
- Haas F1 Team will continue using Ferrari engines.
- Williams Racing will be powered by Mercedes-Benz engines.
- Red Bull Racing will stick with Ford through Red Bull Ford Powertrains.
- Cadillac F1 Team will become the 11th team, marking the first new entry since 2016.
This article explores Cadillac’s entry into F1 in 2026, a historic move backed by General Motors. After months of pushback, the American team finally convinced the FIA and FOM of its viability and will debut with a Ferrari enginebefore developing its own power unit in 2028. With a solid structure, ambitious goals, and the growing U.S. market, Cadillac could become a key player in the modern F1 era.
