Cadillac, the iconic American luxury brand, is set to make its grand entry into Formula One in 2026, marking a significant step for the sport in the U.S. Backed by General Motors and TWG Motorsports, Cadillac will become the 11th team on the F1 grid. The announcement came on Saturday in Miami, where the team unveiled its entry with a glamorous red-carpet event, following the sprint and qualifying sessions.
Cadillac’s Ambitious Move into Formula One
Cadillac’s F1 debut is not a buyout of an existing team but a full-scale startup. This is a rare and bold move in the modern world of Formula One, where most teams come and go through acquisitions or mergers. Leading the charge is team principal Graeme Lowdon, a seasoned F1 veteran who guided the Manor F1 entry back in 2010. Lowdon understands the immense pressure of the approaching deadline and the challenges ahead.
At Cadillac’s headquarters, countdown clocks are ticking, reminding everyone that the 2026 season opener in Australia is fast approaching. “We don’t want to be in a position where there’s some mad panic at the end,” says Lowdon, underscoring the importance of careful planning and preparation.
Building Cadillac’s F1 Team From the Ground Up
Cadillac’s journey into Formula One began in August 2022. Lowdon and his colleagues started with early planning, staying cautious about whether the team would officially be granted entry. To attract top talent, the team recruited staff without directly referencing F1, often referring to positions as “top-tier motorsport opportunities.” This subtle approach proved successful.
The turning point came when General Motors (GM) confirmed it would develop its own power unit for 2029. This decision sealed Cadillac’s path into Formula One. Initially, the team will use Ferrari engines, but GM is already constructing a state-of-the-art engine facility in Charlotte, North Carolina. In addition to this, Cadillac’s headquarters in Fishers, Indiana, are nearing completion, and a European base is already up and running in Silverstone, UK.
Each day, the team welcomes a new member to their ranks, including technical director Nick Chester (formerly of Renault), team manager Peter Crolla (from Haas), aerodynamics lead Jon Tomlinson (ex-Williams), and engineering consultant Pat Symonds (previously with Benetton, Renault, and Williams). Lowdon also brought on chief designer John McQuilliam, who worked with him at Manor.
Driver Speculation and the Push for an American Presence
With the team’s technical base taking shape, speculation over potential drivers is already rampant. While Cadillac remains tight-lipped on the matter, there is strong internal support for fielding at least one American driver. IndyCar driver Colton Herta, who has been linked to the seat for some time, is among the leading contenders. Red Bull driver Sergio Pérez is also rumored to be in the mix.
The entry is a result of the previously proposed Andretti-Cadillac partnership. Mario Andretti, a legend in motorsport, continues to advise the project, and his influence is still felt within the team. Although Lowdon stresses that driver selection will be based on merit, he acknowledges that U.S. drivers are a priority for Cadillac.
A Major Boost for American Motorsport and F1’s U.S. Growth
Cadillac’s F1 entry represents much more than just a new team on the grid. It signals a renewed and serious American investment in the sport, which is seeing unprecedented growth in the U.S. Haas is currently the only U.S.-flagged team in Formula One, but Cadillac’s backing from General Motors brings weight, history, and significant global marketing power to the table. This move is poised to accelerate the sport’s appeal and grow its fanbase across North America.
However, as ambitious as this project is, Lowdon remains fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead. “The first race of next year, we need to be on the grid,” he emphasizes. “We can’t turn up a week late and just say: ‘Everyone else had the race last week, we’ll have it this week.’ That just won’t wash.”
Lowdon’s words highlight the seriousness of the undertaking and the high stakes involved in ensuring the team is ready for 2026. With a clear vision and a dedicated team of experts, Cadillac is set to shake up Formula One, bringing a new American presence to the sport.
As the countdown to 2026 continues, the Formula One world eagerly awaits to see how Cadillac’s ambitious plans unfold on the world’s biggest racing stage.