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Cadillac vs. Audi: The Battle of Formula 1’s 2026 Newcomers

Carl Smith by Carl Smith
January 22, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
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Audi F1 team faces embarrassment with Sainz rejection

Audi F1 team Instagram

A New Era for Formula 1

The 2026 Formula 1 season promises to be a transformative year, not just for its sweeping regulation changes but for the introduction of two new-look teams: GM Cadillac with Andretti Global and Audi taking over Sauber. These entrants represent vastly different approaches to entering the sport, and their success will depend heavily on how they navigate the challenges ahead.


Cadillac: Building from Scratch with Ferrari’s Foundation

Cadillac, powered by Andretti Global, is constructing its Formula 1 operation from the ground up, a monumental task in modern motorsport. With around 280 staff already onboard as of 2024 and plans to expand to over 600, the team has been methodically preparing its 2026 car. Crucially, Cadillac will rely on Ferrari’s power unit, gearbox, hydraulics, and rear suspension for its debut, a helpful starting point that provides a level of reliability and performance out of the gate.

However, this isn’t a Haas-style arrangement. Cadillac plans to produce more of its own parts and is aiming to develop its own power unit by the end of the decade. This ambitious roadmap sets Cadillac apart as a team with long-term aspirations to become a full works operation.

Key Advantages:

  • Flexibility and Vision: Starting fresh allows Cadillac to implement a clear and modern philosophy from the beginning.
  • Strong Partnerships: Leveraging Ferrari’s components offers a performance baseline while Cadillac builds its capabilities.
  • Unified Leadership: The team’s management and design philosophy are cohesive, free from legacy issues that often hinder existing teams.

Audi: A Takeover with Challenges

Audi’s approach is fundamentally different. By taking over Sauber, Audi inherits an established infrastructure, staff, and race experience. On paper, this should provide a competitive edge over Cadillac. However, Sauber’s recent track record has been less than stellar, with years of underperformance and a mindset more focused on survival than winning.

With ex-Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto stepping in, along with Red Bull’s sporting director Jonathan Wheatley joining as team principal in July 2025, Audi is making significant leadership changes to overhaul the team’s philosophy. The challenge lies in modernizing Sauber’s tools, systems, and processes while managing the inherent resistance to change within an established organization.

Audi’s status as a full works team with its own 2026 power unit is a major advantage. Additionally, outside investment from Qatar ensures that Audi won’t be entirely reliant on corporate decisions made in Germany, providing some financial flexibility.

Key Advantages:

  • Existing Infrastructure: Sauber’s facilities, including its wind tunnel, offer a starting point for development.
  • Works Team Status: Audi’s in-house power unit development ensures complete control over its technical package.
  • Experienced Leadership: Binotto and Wheatley bring proven expertise in team-building and performance optimization.

The Road Ahead: Comparing Challenges

Both projects face unique hurdles. Cadillac must assemble an entirely new operation, which involves hiring experienced staff, establishing efficient workflows, and managing a steep learning curve. While the absence of legacy systems allows for greater innovation, the lack of an existing database could slow initial progress.

For Audi, the challenge lies in transforming Sauber from a middling competitor into a front-runner. This requires eliminating outdated processes, modernizing facilities, and instilling a winning mentality. Audi’s ability to turn its inherited resources into a competitive advantage will determine its success.


The Verdict: Who Will Succeed?

On paper, Audi should have an edge. It starts with a functioning team, established resources, and the financial backing to modernize. However, Sauber’s years of stagnation could hinder Audi’s ability to hit the ground running. If the team doesn’t show significant improvement in 2025, it risks being embarrassed by the newcomer.

Cadillac, meanwhile, represents a clean slate. While it may take longer for the team to stabilize its performance, its fresh start offers long-term potential. By 2028, Cadillac could emerge as the more cohesive and competitive operation.


A Transformative Year Awaits

The arrival of Cadillac and Audi in 2026 will shake up Formula 1’s competitive landscape. Whether through Cadillac’s ambitious build-from-scratch approach or Audi’s attempt to reinvent Sauber, both teams will face immense pressure to deliver. Ultimately, the success of these projects will depend not just on resources but on the execution of bold strategies and the ability to adapt to the relentless pace of Formula 1.

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