Cadillac’s Formula 1 Team Gains Official Approval for 2026 Entry
Cadillac’s Formula 1 team has officially been approved to join the F1 grid in 2026. After receiving the green light from the FIA and Formula One Management, the team, owned by General Motors and TWG Motorsports, is set to become the 11th team in the series. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem expressed pride in this progressive step, calling it a milestone and a transformative moment for the championship. The entry of GM/Cadillac is seen as a fresh addition, aligning with the new 2026 regulations and marking an exciting era for the sport.
Ownership and Motorsport Expertise
The Cadillac F1 team is backed by a powerhouse of motorsport expertise. Owned by General Motors and TWG Motorsports, which is part of the TWG Global group, the team benefits from a wealth of experience. TWG Global holds controlling interests in several major sports franchises, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chelsea FC, the Professional Women’s Hockey League, and stakes in the Los Angeles Lakers. TWG Motorsports also owns Andretti Global, competing in IndyCar, Formula E, and other racing series, and holds a majority stake in NASCAR’s Spire Motorsports. This extensive motorsport portfolio underscores the team’s capability to compete at the highest level.
Welcome to the Grid: Strengthening F1’s Global Appeal
Cadillac F1’s entry is a significant boost for Formula 1’s growing presence in the United States. As the second American-owned team alongside Haas F1, Cadillac’s involvement is expected to further ignite interest in the sport domestically. Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali highlighted the team’s potential to inspire future competitors and fans, emphasizing their role in pushing the boundaries of motorsport. The announcement comes as F1 gains momentum in the U.S., with three races scheduled in Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas, and increasing sponsorship interest from American companies.
A Long-Awaited Arrival: Overcoming Challenges
The journey to Cadillac’s F1 entry was not without its hurdles. Despite initial backing from the FIA and President Ben Sulayem, the approval process took over four years. Tensions with Michael Andretti, a former F1 driver and motorsport figure, posed a significant barrier. Andretti’s eventual exit from the project, following the sale of his motorsports ventures to Dan Towriss, was pivotal in securing the team’s approval. With these challenges now surpassed, Cadillac is poised to make a strong debut in 2026.
Building a Competitive Foundation: Facilities and Personnel
Cadillac is laying a robust foundation for its F1 venture. While the team’s powertrains are still in development, they will lease engines from Ferrari until General Motors can provide a competitive product. Facilities are being established at Hendrick Motorsports in North Carolina and a new base in Indiana, with a secondary factory in Silverstone, England. TWG Motorsports has already assembled a team of over 300 employees, focusing on aerodynamics, chassis development, and software simulations. Key appointments include Graeme Lowdon as team principal and Russ O’Blenes as CEO of TWG GM Performance Power Units, signaling a commitment to becoming a full-works team.
Excitement Builds: Drivers and Future Prospects
As Cadillac’s F1 program accelerates, speculation is rife about the driver lineup. IndyCar driver Colton Herta, a potential candidate, faces the challenge of securing the required Super License by finishing in the top four of the IndyCar standings. Other contenders include former F1 drivers Sergio Perez, Valtteri Bottas, and Zhou Guanyu. With a 2026 car already in the wind tunnel and rapid progress across all areas, Cadillac is determined to make an impact. The team’s CEO, Dan Towriss, expressed pride in the team’s efforts, emphasizing their unwavering commitment to the mission. As the countdown to 2026 begins, fans and competitors alike eagerly anticipate the arrival of this new American contender on the F1 stage.
