Cadillac’s Formula 1 team has officially received clearance to join the racing grid in 2026, and its owners are confident that they will be ready to compete. Although the expansion of the grid was approved last November, it was only recently that the FIA and Formula One Management confirmed that Cadillac’s F1 team met all required standards to become the 11th team in the series next season.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem expressed pride in this development, calling the addition of the new team a significant achievement for the championship. He noted that General Motors and Cadillac’s involvement would bring exciting energy in line with the new regulations for 2026.
The team is under the ownership of General Motors and TWG Motorsports, part of the TWG Global group, which has prominent interests in various sports franchises, including the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chelsea Football Club. TWG Motorsports also owns Andretti Global, which competes across multiple racing series like IndyCar and Formula E.
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, stated that having Cadillac in the paddock would motivate both new competitors and fans alike. He emphasized how Cadillac’s commitment represents the evolution of motorsport in the United States, especially as Formula 1 grows in popularity here with three races planned in U.S. cities.
Cadillac will stand out as one of the two American-owned teams on the grid, joining Haas F1. While Haas does not currently feature an American driver or manufacturer partnership, Cadillac aims to change that narrative, possibly by including American IndyCar driver Colton Herta in its lineup.
Despite the enthusiasm, it took Cadillac over four years to finalize its entry due to complications with a previous proposal involving Michael Andretti, who had difficulties gaining acceptance in the European racing circles. After Andretti sold the controlling interest of his racing ventures, Cadillac was able to push through its bid successfully.
TWG Motorsports CEO Dan Towriss expressed confidence in the team’s readiness, indicating that preparations for 2026 are accelerating. They are expanding facilities and refining technology to ensure a solid foundation for their F1 entry.
Although Cadillac’s engines are still in development and will initially lease engines from Ferrari, the team is already making significant strides. GM plans to build its powertrains in North Carolina, and the F1 operation will be managed from new facilities in Indiana and Silverstone, England.
As the excitement grows, Cadillac’s team continues to build its workforce with top industry talent. The leadership is in place, including motorsports veteran Graeme Lowdon as Team Principal and Russ O’Blenes as the CEO of the new power unit division.
With their mission to establish a competitive team, Cadillac seeks to bring American spirit back to the forefront of Formula 1 racing, aiming to deliver a thrilling experience for fans and inspire a new generation of racers. While specific drivers for their lineup are yet to be confirmed, discussions about potential candidates are ongoing, ensuring that Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 will be highly anticipated.
