The world of Formula 1 is set to welcome a new contender as General Motors (GM) and its Cadillac brand officially secure their place on the grid for the 2026 championship and beyond. This announcement formalizes the agreement initially reached last November, granting Cadillac entry as F1’s 11th team.
The newly-approved Cadillac operation will begin its life on the grid as a Ferrari power unit customer, with plans to develop and produce its own engines starting in 2028. This strategic partnership signals Cadillac's ambition to establish itself as a major rival in a sport dominated by longstanding names.
The team aims to make a strong debut under the leadership of TWG Group and its CEO, Dan Towriss. Replacing Andretti Global as the driving force behind the project, TWG successfully revised the initial application after Andretti’s prior bid was rejected.
The road to Cadillac’s entry was not without drama. Andretti Global’s initial application, submitted in partnership with GM, was rejected due to concerns from Formula One Management (FOM) about the team’s potential to add value to the sport. This decision fueled tensions between Michael Andretti and Formula 1, with disagreements escalating to include pressure from U.S. Congress and even the Department of Justice.
However, the revised bid, spearheaded by Towriss and the TWG Group after Andretti stepped aside, has now been approved. This marks a turnaround for GM and Cadillac as they prepare to make their highly anticipated F1 debut.
The announcement was met with enthusiasm from Formula 1 and FIA leadership.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali stated, “The commitment by General Motors to bring a Cadillac team to Formula 1 is a positive demonstration of the evolution of our sport. I want to thank GM and TWG for their constructive engagement over many months and look forward to welcoming the team on the grid from 2026.”
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem added, “Today marks a transformative moment for the championship. Cadillac brings fresh energy, aligning with the new FIA 2026 regulations, and ushers in an exciting era for the sport. Their presence will inspire future competitors and fans while strengthening motorsport’s boundaries at the highest level.”
With regulatory changes coming in 2026, Cadillac enters Formula 1 at a pivotal time. The introduction of an all-new power unit and chassis regulations adds an extra layer of complexity to the team’s preparations. Despite the challenges, the UK-based operation, led by ex-Marussia team boss Graeme Lowdon, has been quietly growing in anticipation of this announcement. Key hires include F1 veterans Pat Symonds and Rob White, ensuring an experienced team is in place to tackle the transition into the sport.
While the team’s technical foundation is solidifying, its driver lineup remains an open question. IndyCar star Colton Herta has emerged as a frontrunner for one of the race seats. The 24-year-old American, who has previous experience testing F1 machinery with McLaren at Portimao in 2022, has drawn interest for his aggressive driving style and potential to represent Cadillac's American heritage.
However, Herta remains cautious about the move. He recently commented, “I’d be leaving a great group of people I really like working with, so it’s not a sure thing for me. It’s not an easy decision, just to be like, ‘all right, see you guys later.’ I’d be giving up an opportunity of maybe never working with these people again.”
Cadillac’s entry represents a significant milestone not only for General Motors but also for Formula 1 as it continues to grow its global reach. With the support of one of the largest automakers in the world and a focus on innovation, the Cadillac team promises to bring fresh competition to the paddock.