Formula 1 is about to get even more exciting as Cadillac officially enters the grid for the 2026 season, with General Motors’ ambitious return to the pinnacle of motorsport. With the FIA’s final approval, Cadillac becomes the 11th team, bringing two more cars and drivers to the grid and another American team alongside Haas.
What To Know?
- GM partnered with Andretti in 2023 to enter F1 with Cadillac; after initial setbacks, TWG Global took over the project, and Cadillac’s 2026 entry was officially approved in 2025.
- GM established GM Performance Power Units to build its own F1 engines by 2028, with a new factory planned and Ferrari supplying power units in the interim.
- Early GM involvement in F1 dates back to the 1950s via the Indy 500; for 2026, the team is eyeing experienced drivers like Perez or Bottas, and plans to include an American in its debut lineup.
Background: A Partnership Built for Speed
Cadillac’s journey into Formula 1 began with a groundbreaking partnership between General Motors and Andretti Global, led by motorsport legend Michael Andretti. Their proposal successfully navigated extensive FIA scrutiny, eventually winning unanimous approval due to its robust financial backing and global automotive appeal.
Compromises and Costs: The Price of Entry
Entry into Formula 1 isn’t cheap. Cadillac had to agree to substantial financial commitments, including a $450 million anti-dilution fee to compensate existing teams. This sizeable investment highlighted Cadillac’s commitment and belief in its long-term potential within the sport.
Despite initial resistance from established teams wary of dividing prize pools, Cadillac’s entry was ultimately deemed beneficial to F1’s global brand, especially in the booming North American market.
Cadillac Power Units
While GM works toward developing its own engines, the team will initially compete using Ferrari power units.
General Motors (GM) and TWG established GM Performance Power Units LLC (GM PPU) to develop works engines specifically for the Cadillac Formula One team. Longtime GM engine designer Russ O’Blenes was appointed to lead the engine division. Reports also surfaced, notably from journalist Joe Saward, that GM was exploring the acquisition of intellectual property from the former Renault power unit program, potentially accelerating development efforts.
Cadillac expects GM PPU to deliver a fully operational engine by the 2028 season. In the meantime, Ferrari announced in December 2024 that Cadillac had signed a multi-year agreement to use Ferrari engines and gearboxes starting in 2026. To support its power unit ambitions, GM PPU revealed plans to invest $65–70 million in constructing a new engine factory, set to employ 300–350 staff and open in early 2027. An additional $75–80 million will be allocated toward launching and scaling operations at the facility.
Who’s in Charge?
Andretti Global, spearheaded by Michael Andretti, will manage day-to-day operations. With Andretti’s extensive experience in racing and Cadillac’s technical and financial support, the partnership, on paper, seems well-positioned to become competitive quickly. However, given how technical F1 is and the many teams that have failed over the years, time will tell on that front. Just look at the Toyota entry for a large manufacturer in recent times.
Driver Hunt: Who Will Drive Cadillac’s F1 Cars?
One of the most exciting aspects of Cadillac’s F1 journey is the speculation surrounding driver choices. Early rumours point towards experienced racers and promising young talent from IndyCar and Formula 2. Drivers like Colton Herta, a star in Andretti’s IndyCar program, and Felipe Drugovich, the 2022 Formula 2 champion, are among the top contenders rumoured for a seat. Cadillac has stressed that driver selection will prioritise performance, potential, and global marketability.
Alongside drivers from the existing Andretti stable, experienced Formula 1 race winners Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas have been linked to the new entry after losing their seats with Red Bull and Sauber, at the end of the 2024 season. The team has also expressed a strong interest in including at least one American driver in its debut lineup.
Looking Ahead to 2026
With the countdown to Cadillac’s debut underway, fans eagerly await further announcements about drivers, technical partnerships, and car development progress. Cadillac’s entry represents not just another team on the grid but an important milestone in Formula 1’s ongoing expansion, particularly in North America.
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