Cadillac Set to Join F1 as a Team in 2026

Cadillac Joins Formula 1 as the 11th Team in 2026

Cadillac, the luxury automobile brand of General Motors (GM), has recently made headlines by gaining final approval to join Formula 1 (F1) in 2026. This exciting development signifies Cadillac’s official entry into the elite world of F1 racing, where it will become the 11th team competing for one of the most prestigious titles in motorsport.

Excitement in the Air

GM President Mark Reuss expressed great enthusiasm about Cadillac’s new venture. “We’re thrilled the Cadillac Formula 1 Team is official,” he stated. “The team has been accelerating its work.” As the date approaches for Cadillac’s debut, the excitement surrounding GM’s engineering capabilities being showcased on the global F1 stage is palpably increasing.

The Road to Approval

The approved entry into F1 follows an agreement in principle made between GM and F1 back in November. This agreement marked a significant milestone, allowing Cadillac to enter negotiations that would last nearly two years before reaching a consensus. A series of leadership changes during this process impacted GM’s bid, but ultimately, the necessary approvals were secured.

In January 2023, GM announced its intention to collaborate with Andretti Global, a racing company led by the legendary F1 champion Mario Andretti and his son, Michael. This partnership aimed to create a power unit project that would establish Cadillac as a full works team by November of the same year. Although the project received approval from the FIA, which governs F1, it faced obstacles with Formula One Management, the entity that manages commercial rights.

A Shift in Partnerships

After Michael Andretti stepped down as the head of Andretti Global in September, a new collaboration emerged between GM and TWG Global, the parent company of Andretti Global and various other racing teams. This partnership was quickly approved by all relevant parties, paving the way for Cadillac’s official entry into F1.

In December, the former U.K. base of Andretti was rebranded as Cadillac Formula Racing. This move signified a clean break from the Andretti organization while retaining Mario Andretti on the team’s board as a director to offer his insights and expertise.

Power Units and Future Plans

As part of its strategy, GM has set up a new division called GM Performance Power Units. This division will focus on developing the powertrains needed for Cadillac’s operations in F1, with motorsports veteran Russ O’Blenes at the helm. The ultimate goal is to make Cadillac a full works team by 2030, which means they would design and manufacture their own engines and components.

In the interim, Cadillac will utilize Ferrari power units as they build up their own capabilities. This partnership with Ferrari underscores Cadillac’s commitment to success within the intense environment of Formula 1 racing.

Leadership and Team Structure

To strengthen its presence, Cadillac has appointed Graeme Lowdon, a former Sporting Director of Marussia, as the team principal. Lowdon will oversee team operations and contribute to the strategic direction as Cadillac embarks on its inaugural season. More staffing announcements are expected in the months to come, including the announcement of Cadillac’s first F1 drivers.

Future Prospects for Cadillac in F1

Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 signifies a broader trend of traditional automotive manufacturers getting involved in motorsport. This fascinating shift highlights how companies are increasingly investing in high-performance racing for showcasing their engineering innovations and brand prestige.

As we look forward to the 2026 season, fans and industry experts alike are eager to see how Cadillac will perform in this high-stakes, competitive environment. With a mix of experienced leadership and a renowned engineering background, there is a palpable sense of anticipation surrounding Cadillac’s debut in Formula 1.

The journey to becoming a key player in F1 begins now, and Cadillac seems ready for the challenge. The automotive giant aims to blend its luxury branding with cutting-edge technology in a sport defined by speed and innovation. As they prepare for their launch, the team will undoubtedly generate excitement among motorsport enthusiasts and luxury automobile fans alike.