Cadillac's Entry into Formula 1: A New Chapter
General Motors and Formula 1 have reached a groundbreaking agreement in principle that will bring Cadillac to the grid as the sport's 11th team in 2026. This historic development marks a significant shift from previous rejected applications and represents a restructured approach to entering the pinnacle of motorsport.
The New Identity
The team will operate under the Cadillac Formula 1 banner, with General Motors taking a substantial ownership stake. This marks a departure from the original Andretti-Cadillac proposal, evolving into a more manufacturer-focused enterprise. The team structure will mirror successful motorsport operations like Mercedes F1, where specialized organizations manage the works entry.
Key organizational elements include:
- TWG Global as the operating entity
- Dan Towes as CEO of TWG Global's motorsport business
- Mario Andretti in an ambassadorial role and director position
Technical Infrastructure and Development
The team has already achieved several significant milestones:
- Recruitment of over 200 team members
- Extensive aerodynamic development at Toyota's wind tunnel in Germany
- Initial crash test completions
- Unlimited aerodynamic and CFD testing capacity (currently unrestricted by F1 regulations)
"The quality of the work done so far and the duration of unrestricted development could be crucial factors in determining the team's competitiveness in 2026."
Power Unit Strategy
The team's power unit plan follows two phases:
| Phase | Timeline | Power Unit Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Initial | 2026-2028 | Ferrari (expected) |
| Long-term | 2028-2029 | GM/Cadillac Works Engine |
Financial Investment
The financial commitment required includes:
- Anti-dilution fund payment of approximately $450 million
- Significant infrastructure investment across two bases:
- Main US facility
- UK satellite operation
Driver Prospects
Several drivers are under consideration for 2026:
- Colton Herta - Previous favorite, pending super license qualification
- Logan Sargeant - Former Williams driver
- Jack Crawford - Current Formula 2 driver and Aston Martin junior
- Experienced options including:
- Valtteri Bottas
- Yuki Tsunoda
"While an All-American driver lineup was initially preferred, the team may opt for a combination of experience and emerging talent."
Future Development
The project represents a long-term commitment to Formula 1, with several key phases:
- Initial entry as a customer team in 2026
- Transition to full works status by decade's end
- Development of proprietary GM/Cadillac power unit
- Progressive expansion of technical capabilities
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This entry marks a significant milestone for both Formula 1 and American motorsport participation at the highest level, with substantial manufacturer backing and comprehensive technical preparation already underway.
