Cadillac F1 secures its spot on the 2026 grid

The roar of American muscle is set to join the symphony of Formula 1 in 2026 as the FIA and Formula 1 have formally approved Cadillac F1’s entry into the championship in 2026 as the sport’s 11th team.

The landmark decision marks the culmination of a rollercoaster journey for General Motors’ legendary brand, transforming a once-rejected bid into a celebrated addition to the grid.

With just 12 months to prepare for a debut amid sweeping regulatory changes, the Silverstone-based outfit is gearing up to make its mark on the global stage.

From Rejection to Acceptance

The road to Friday’s approval has been anything but smooth. Initially, General Motors partnered with Andretti Global to bring Cadillac into Formula 1, but their application hit a wall in January 2024 when Formula One Management (FOM) rejected it, arguing that the proposal didn’t sufficiently enhance the championship’s value.

The snub sparked a heated standoff, with Michael Andretti’s aggressive campaigning leading to tensions the US Congress and the Department of Justice getting involved in the matter.

For months, the dream of an American team seemed stalled. Enter TWG Motorsports, a US-based entity owned by financier Mark Walter and spearheaded by CEO Dan Towriss.

Taking over the reins from Andretti Global, TWG reshaped the bid into a compelling package that won over both the Formula One Group.

What started as a deal in principle in November 2024 has now been ratified, securing Cadillac’s place on the grid.

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali hailed the milestone event.

“As we said in November, the commitment by General Motors to bring a Cadillac team to Formula 1 was an important and positive demonstration of the evolution of our sport.

“I want to thank GM and TWG for their constructive engagement over many months and look forward to welcoming the team on the grid from 2026 for what will be another exciting year for Formula 1.”

Building from the Ground Up: A Race Against Time

The Silverstone-based operation, now operating with the full backing of GM, faces a monumental task. Initially, they will join as a Ferrari customer outfit, transitioning to producing their own power units by 2028.

With the sweeping 2026 regulations – introducing a completely new power unit and chassis ruleset – looming, the Cadillac F1 team has a mere 12 months to prepare for its debut.

Leading the charge is former Marussia F1 team boss Graeme Lowdon, who has assembled a group of talented and experienced designers, including F1 stalwart Pat Symonds and former Renault engine chief Rob White.

This blend of seasoned expertise is crucial as they navigate the complexities of building a competitive F1 team from the ground up.

Driver Speculation and American Ambition

IndyCar star Colton Herta has emerged as a potential candidate for a seat with the Cadillac entry, fueling speculation about an all-American lineup.

The 24-year-old, who previously tested a McLaren F1 car, has acknowledged the opportunity but remains cautious.

“I’d be leaving a great group of people I really like working with, so it’s not a sure thing for me,” Herta said recently.

“It’s not an easy decision, just to be like, ‘all right, see you guys later’. I’d be giving up an opportunity of maybe never working with these people again.”

© IndyCar Media

Despite Herta’s hesitation, the prospect of an American driver representing an American brand adds an extra layer of intrigue to Cadillac’s F1 journey.

Whether Herta takes the leap or Cadillac casts a wider net, the driver lineup will be a key piece of this unfolding story.

A Bold Step Forward for Formula 1

Cadillac’s arrival signals more than just an extra pair of cars on the grid – it’s a testament to Formula 1’s evolving landscape.

The sport, already booming in the US with three annual races, now welcomes a bona fide American manufacturer, promising to deepen its foothold in a crucial market.

For General Motors, it’s a chance to showcase its engineering prowess on a global stage, while TWG Motorsports aims to carve out a legacy in the world’s premier racing series.

With the countdown to Cadillac’s debut officially underway, F1 fans worldwide are buckling up for what promises to be a historic ride.

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