For the first time since 2016—when Manor, formerly Marussia, competed—the Formula 1 championship will expand beyond 10 teams, making room for an 11th competitor. After a long negotiation process, the proposal led by General Motors and its flagship brand, Cadillac, has received the green light from the governing body, ensuring its entry into the world’s most prestigious motorsport series.
Cadillac roars onto the F1 grid: what this means for the future of racing
With approval from both the FIA and Formula 1, General Motors’ racing division is officially set to join the grid starting in the 2026 season.
In an official statement, the organization confirmed: “All sporting, technical, and commercial matters have been finalized to bring Cadillac into the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship.” This marks a groundbreaking moment for American motorsports, as the brand secures its place on the global stage.
The road to approval
The arrival of Cadillac represents a breakthrough after years of discussions between F1 and American racing legend Michael Andretti. Despite repeated setbacks in Andretti’s efforts to join the grid, General Motors, in collaboration with TWG Motorsports, stepped in to successfully push the project forward.
Backed by one of the largest automotive corporations in the world—with over $150 billion in revenue, 160,000 employees, and assets exceeding $200 billion—Cadillac’s entry is set to make a lasting impact.
As part of its debut strategy, Cadillac will partner with Ferrari for its power units while preparing for a major technical overhaul in 2026. That year will not only bring Cadillac into the fold but also welcome Audi, which is acquiring Sauber. The German manufacturer has strongly advocated for regulation changes, ensuring that new technical and power unit rules create a more balanced playing field.
Cadillac’s approach will differ, but its ambitions remain high. With F1 shifting towards a powertrain-dominant era, the importance of engine performance is expected to be greater than ever. Renowned F1 engineer Adrian Newey emphasized this point, stating: “There will be a power unit formula that takes the lead. I can’t recall another time when everything changed like this, with chassis regulations being adjusted to counterbalance the engine rules.”
Who will drive for Cadillac?
With its official admission secured, the next question is: Who will be Cadillac’s first drivers? One of the most frequently mentioned names is Sergio Pérez. His strong ties to the U.S. market make him an attractive choice, particularly given his commercial appeal and financial backing. This could also serve as an opportunity for Pérez to return to a competitive seat after Red Bull decided to replace him with young talents Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar.
Additionally, speculation surrounds the possibility of an American driver, with Colton Herta—an IndyCar star—among those being considered. Whether Cadillac opts for an experienced F1 driver or a homegrown talent, its lineup will be a key talking point leading up to 2026.
A transformational moment for Formula 1
With Cadillac now officially on the grid, the expansion of Formula 1 is taking a major step forward. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem expressed his enthusiasm, stating: “This is a transformative moment. I’m proud to have led this next step in the championship’s growth. The expansion of F1 teams is a milestone, and Cadillac brings fresh energy alongside the new 2026 regulations, ushering in an exciting new era for motorsport.”
Cadillac’s entry marks a significant shift in F1’s landscape, reinforcing the sport’s increasing appeal in the United States. As 2026 approaches, all eyes will be on how this legendary American brand adapts to the challenges and excitement of Formula 1 racing.
Key information
- When will Cadillac officially join Formula 1? Cadillac will join the Formula 1 grid in the 2026 season.
- Which company is Cadillac partnering with for its power units? Cadillac will collaborate with Ferrari for its power units.
- Who is a potential driver for Cadillac’s F1 team? Sergio Pérez is a strong candidate due to his ties to the U.S. market.
- Why is Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 significant? It marks a major expansion for F1, increasing U.S. involvement and competition.
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