In a significant development for the world of motorsports, Cadillac, the iconic American automobile brand, has been officially cleared to join the Formula 1 circuit in 2026. This pivotal decision is the culmination of a long journey that began over two years ago with an initial proposal by Michael Andretti, a renowned figure in the racing world.
The Federation International de l’Automobile (FIA) and Formula 1 gave the green light to the Cadillac F1 team after a series of deliberations that began in late 2024. The approval marks General Motors’ (GM) commitment to the venture, which was originally proposed as an Andretti entry. This development seals the end of an extended period of negotiation between Liberty Media, Michael Andretti, and GM.
In a strategic move, Cadillac has sealed a supply agreement with the Italian manufacturer, Ferrari. This agreement will provide the nascent team with Ferrari’s customer power units in their debut seasons, with a view to Cadillac becoming a full works team in the future.
FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, celebrated this progressive development as a transformative moment for the sport. He emphasized that the addition of Cadillac, representing the 11th team in the 2026 championship, brings an invigorating energy that aligns perfectly with the new FIA 2026 regulations. Sulayem expects the presence of the Cadillac Formula 1 Team to inspire competitors and fans while strengthening the Federation’s mission to push the boundaries of motorsport at the highest level.
TWG Motorsports, a partner in this venture, is accelerating its efforts towards a successful F1 entry. CEO Dan Towriss highlighted that the company is expanding its facilities, honing cutting-edge technologies, and continuing to recruit top-tier talent. The team has already amassed a dedicated workforce of over 300 staff focusing on various aspects of the vehicle – from aerodynamics to software, and even operational wind-tunnel models and performance testing.
Former Manor F1 boss, Graeme Lowdon, who was appointed as team principal in late 2024, voiced his pride in the team’s efforts and excitement for the future. Lowdon’s appointment has been well-received, with Towriss lauding his wealth of experience on both the technical and managerial sides of Formula 1.
The road to this announcement has not been without its challenges. After an initial rejection, the Andretti team took proactive measures to build up its facilities in multiple locations within the UK and the US. The team also began recruitment processes, attracting major names like Graeme Lowdon and Enstone veteran Pat Symonds. Amidst this growth, the branding of the new F1 team evolved from an Andretti-led program into a GM-led project, with Dan Towriss at the helm.
As part of this evolution, 1978 F1 World Champion, Mario Andretti, son of Michael, will serve as a director for the F1 team. With Cadillac’s entry, Formula 1’s field will increase to 22 cars and 11 teams, making Cadillac the first new team to join since Haas in 2016. This is undeniably a landmark moment for the sport of Formula 1, promising an exciting era of competition and innovation in the coming years.
