As the world’s premier racing series, Formula 1, has been dominated by European manufacturers like Ferrari and McLaren for decades, American automakers have largely been spectators. However, the tides are turning as an American luxury brand, closely associated with power and political clout, steps up to disrupt the status quo. This move, a significant push towards global expansion in motorsports, is being led by a company that finds favor with Donald Trump and his father.
After years of European dominance, Formula 1 is set to welcome an American manufacturer into its fold in 2026. General Motors, under the Cadillac banner, is preparing for its FIA-approved debut. This major development not only signals a decisive shift for American motorsports but also underscores the nation’s desire to make its mark on the global racing landscape.
Cadillac has enjoyed a long-standing association with Donald Trump. He has often used the brand as a symbol of American luxury and power during his presidency, even using its limousines for official duties and awarding contracts to General Motors. In 2024, when asked about his favorite car brand, Trump, referring to his father Fred Trump, said, “I learned so much from him, and he loved Cadillac.”
The Trump-Cadillac relationship is well-documented, with Trump’s admiration for the brand evident during the unveiling of the new Escalade. He was reportedly so impressed that he expressed his desire to purchase one immediately. Their collaborative effort to design the Dillinger-Gaines-designed Trump Series limos in the late 1980s is another testament to this relationship. These limos, featuring Italian leather, rosewood paneling, gold accents, and executive amenities like fax machines and early cell phones, were a symbol of luxury and power.
As Cadillac prepares to enter Formula 1, it marks a significant stride for a major U.S. automaker in establishing a competitive presence in the championship. This comes despite the existing American teams like Haas in Formula One. “I am proud to lead the Federation in this progressive step for the championship. GM/Cadillac brings fresh energy, aligning with the new FIA 2026 regulations and ushering in an exciting era for the sport,” FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem stated.
Cadillac’s move into Formula 1 is part of a larger trend in American racing. As IndyCar’s global appeal grows, NASCAR is extending its reach internationally with races in Mexico. Furthermore, the United States is increasing its presence in Formula One with three Grand Prix (Austin, Miami, and Las Vegas) and a surge in fan interest sparked by Netflix’s Drive to Survive. Cadillac’s entry into Formula One underscores America’s steadfast commitment to the sport.
However, cracking the Formula 1 code has proven to be a challenging task for American teams. Despite their dominance in NASCAR and IndyCar, American teams have struggled to compete or even survive in Formula 1. Cases in point are the demise of USF1 before it even raced, Haas F1’s continuous problems, and Andretti’s long road to entry.
USF1, which aimed to be an entirely American-backed team, was granted entry into Formula 1 in 2010 but ended up as one of the sport’s most infamous failures. The project was scrapped before the inaugural race due to a lack of resources, infrastructure, and F1 experience. This failure led to increased skepticism regarding American teams in Formula One.
Despite these setbacks, the dream of a successful U.S. Formula One team is very much alive. However, victory will require more than just ambition; it demands a level of planning and execution that no American team has yet mastered. Can Cadillac break this trend and usher in an era of U.S. competitiveness in Formula One? Only time will tell.
