Formula One will officially welcome the 11th team on the grid in 2026, as Cadillac, backed by General Motors, has now been formally granted entry into the sport.
The long-anticipated final approval follows an extensive review process by Formula One Management (FOM) and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). It marks a historic moment for the American automotive giant.
The newly established Cadillac F1 Team will initially enter as a customer outfit, running Ferrari power units for the 2026 and 2027 seasons, before transitioning to its own General Motors-built engine from 2028 onward. This addition brings the number of power unit suppliers in the sport to at least six, alongside Mercedes, Ferrari, Honda, Audi, and Red Bull Powertrains.
Fixed wind tunnel time
The approval represents a significant shift after Formula One initially rejected a bid led by Andretti Global in 2023, despite its partnership with General Motors. While Michael Andretti’s team is no longer involved, the legendary Mario Andretti is expected to be an advisor to the new operation.
However, Cadillac loses a key advantage following its official confirmation in Formula 1: unrestricted aerodynamic testing. Up until now, they had the freedom to develop their 2026 car without limitations.
In contrast, existing teams must comply with strict wind tunnel and simulation regulations – allocating more time to lower-ranked teams and less to top performers. With their official entry, Cadillac is now subject to the same rules as the tenth-place team in the Constructors’ Championship, Stake, granting them a testing allocation of 115%, still he highest among all teams.
Drive to Survive
The decision to welcome Cadillac reflects Formula 1’s growing market presence in the United States, which has expanded dramatically thanks to the success of the Netflix series Drive to Survive and the increasing number of U.S.-based races in Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas.
Despite opposition from the ten existing teams – who were wary of diluting the sport’s prize money pool – Cadillac’s long-term commitment and substantial investment from General Motors proved decisive.
“This marks a transformative moment for Formula One,” said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. “General Motors and Cadillac bring a new energy that aligns with the FIA’s 2026 regulations and the sport’s push for innovation and sustainability. Their entry strengthens our mission to push the boundaries of motorsport at the highest level.”
Joined by Audi and Ford
Cadillac has already begun assembling a highly experienced leadership and technical team. British motorsport veteran Graeme Lowdon has been appointed team principal, bringing extensive Formula One and endurance racing expertise to the project.
Also, former Renault F1 technical chief Nick Chester will be the technical director. At the same time, legendary engineer Pat Symonds, who has held key roles at Benetton, Renault, Williams, and the FIA, joins as executive technical advisor.
Several changes are introduced for the upcoming F1 season. Cars have become less powerful and have switched to using sustainable fuel. At the same time, the increased performance from the kinetic motor generator unit (MGU-K) aims to double the amount of recuperated electric energy. These changes must align the sports with greener credentials.
Furthermore, Cadillac isn’t the only new team on the grid. These were but from Audi joins, while Ford returns, engine supplier.
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