The world of Formula 1 welcomes a new addition to its grid for the 2026 season, coinciding with the regulation field. General Motors, specifically Cadillac will become the eleventh team in the World Championship, marking an important milestone in the top category of motorsport. After months of arduous negotiations and several obstacles along the way, the Americans have reached an agreement with Formula 1 and the FIA to make the definitive leap into the top category of four-wheeled competition.
The decision consolidates the strategy of Growth of Formula 1 in the United States, a priority market for the sport and the market. Under the name Cadillac F1, the team will have its main headquarters in Silverstone, UK, with other facilities in Indiana, Charlotte and Michigan. This approach reinforces Cadillac's ambition to compete at the highest level by leveraging the resources of Andretti Global, which has been preparing this entry for years.
An ambitious project with great aspirations
In its first seasons, Cadillac F1 will operate as a customer team, using engines supplied by manufacturers already established in the championship. However, the intention is that by 2028 General Motors will develop its own power units, fully integrating itself as a manufacturer in Formula 1. This ambitious plan aims to demonstrate the technological capacity and engineering leadership of the automotive giant.
In the words of General Motors President Mark Reuss: “General Motors and Cadillac are honored to join the pinnacle of motorsports. We are committed to racing with passion and integrity, and this is a perfect stage to showcase our engineering expertise on a global level.”
The support of the FIA and Formula 1
The deal has received the backing of key figures including FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who said: “General Motors is an iconic global brand and is working with impressive partners. We fully support this project and will continue to work together to ensure a smooth integration process into the championship.”
Greg Maffei, CEO of Liberty Media, highlighted the importance of this entry for the strategic growth of Formula 1 in the United States. “The addition of Cadillac brings additional value to the sport and reinforces our expansion plans in the US market,” he said.
Andretti's role in the equation
The original project was led by Mario Andretti, who initially negotiated with Formula 1. Although he faced resistance from the championship organisers, his decision to hand over leadership to Dan Towriss, CEO of the 1001 Group, was key to unlocking the talks and achieving significant progress. In the meantime, Mario Andretti will remain linked to the team as a director.
The partnership between General Motors and Andretti Global represents the union of two motorsports powerhouses, with an outstanding career in competitions such as IndyCar and Formula E. The accumulated experience will be essential to consolidate Cadillac F1 on the most competitive grid in the world.
Conquering the American market
This upcoming arrival of Cadillac in F1 reinforces Liberty Media’s commitment to the North American market. With three Grand Prix in the United States (Miami, Austin and Las Vegas), the Grand Circus has experienced a boom in popularity in the region, driven in large part by the Netflix series “Drive to Survive”.
The sport is looking to capitalise on this opportunity and Cadillac, as the first American brand to create a factory team in decades, symbolises a key step in this strategy. In addition, the legacy of Mario Andretti, world champion in 1978, adds a historical and emotional touch to the project.
Image | Cadillac