The world of Formula 1 is set to witness a historic addition to its grid, as General Motors (GM) has officially secured approval for its Cadillac-branded team to enter the championship in 2026. The move solidifies GM’s long-term commitment to the pinnacle of motorsport, marking the brand’s first full-fledged entry into F1 under the Cadillac name.
Cadillac's Official Entry into Formula 1
Cadillac's formal approval comes after an extensive review process by both Formula One Management (FOM) and the FIA, which carefully assessed sporting, technical, and commercial aspects of the bid. Initially, GM had aligned with Andretti Global in a previous attempt to enter F1, but the bid was rejected. However, a revised proposal demonstrating GM’s deeper commitment convinced F1 officials to greenlight the new entry.
The operation will be managed by TWG Motorsports, a US-based organization led by key investors Dan Towriss and Mark Walter. Notably, Michael Andretti, who spearheaded the original bid, will no longer be involved, though his father, 1978 world champion Mario Andretti, will serve as an advisor. British motorsport veteran Graeme Lowdon has been appointed as team principal, bringing valuable experience from his tenure at Manor Racing between 2010 and 2016.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali acknowledged GM’s commitment, stating, "As we said in November, the commitment by General Motors to bring a Cadillac team to F1 was an important and positive demonstration of the evolution of our sport." He further emphasized GM’s proactive engagement with the championship, signaling confidence in their long-term vision.
One of the key differentiators in Cadillac’s successful bid was its promise of a full works team, meaning GM is committed to developing its own power unit in the coming years. The team has secured an engine supply agreement with Ferrari for the initial phase but aims to produce a proprietary power unit as F1 transitions to new regulations in 2026.
These regulatory changes, which increase the hybrid component of F1 engines to 50% and mandate sustainable fuels, have also attracted other major manufacturers, including Ford and Audi. With Ford partnering with Red Bull and Audi taking over the Sauber operation, GM’s Cadillac project adds another competitive dimension to the evolving F1 landscape.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem hailed the decision, calling it "a transformative moment" that reinforces F1’s global expansion and technological evolution. Dan Towriss also highlighted the years of groundwork laid alongside GM, stating, "For the past years, we have worked hand-in-hand with GM to lay a robust foundation for an extraordinary F1 entry."
With operational bases in Indiana, North Carolina, Michigan, and Silverstone, Cadillac is aggressively expanding its engineering resources. Over 200 personnel are already working on aerodynamic and chassis development, software refinement, and vehicle dynamics simulation, ensuring the team is well-prepared for its 2026 debut.
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Formula One star Jack Doohan stranded ahead of Australian Grand Prix as Cyclone Alfred wreaks havocAs Formula 1 continues to attract major automotive giants, Cadillac’s entry underscores the sport’s growing global appeal. With a determined approach and a clear commitment to innovation, GM’s Cadillac team is set to be a formidable addition to the F1 grid, shaping the future of the championship for years to come.