In a seismic shift for Formula 1, General Motors’ Cadillac F1 will officially join the grid in 2026, powered initially by Ferrari engines before transitioning to a Cadillac-developed power unit in 2028. The announcement caps off years of drama, lobbying, and high-stakes negotiations led by Andretti Global, securing America’s second F1 team and reshaping the sport’s landscape.
A Dramatic Road to Approval
The journey to grid expansion has been fraught with resistance. Despite meeting the FIA’s stringent application criteria, Andretti Global’s bid faced outright opposition from Formula One Management (FOM) and the sport’s 10 existing teams, which cited concerns over prize money dilution and grid integrity. Insiders revealed that F1’s initial rejection was shockingly personal, questioning Andretti’s ability to field a competitive team and dismissing the value his name could bring to the booming sport.
However, the tide turned earlier this year when Mario Andretti, the 1978 F1 champion, took the fight to Washington, D.C., spurring a Department of Justice investigation into F1’s alleged anti-competitive behavior. The situation intensified after Renault CEO Luca de Meo referred to F1 as a “closed club” unwilling to accommodate new entrants, raising eyebrows within regulatory circles.
The General Motors Factor
The breakthrough came with General Motors’ deepened involvement, aligning with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s vision for expanding the grid. GM’s steadfast refusal to partner with any entity besides Andretti sent a clear message: America’s largest automaker was committed to shaping F1’s future, regardless of resistance.
“GM’s participation has always been welcomed,” an insider noted. “It’s Andretti’s inclusion that faced opposition.”
GM executives were a prominent presence at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, signaling Cadillac’s readiness to make a splash in F1. The team will run Ferrari engines for two years while developing Cadillac’s own cutting-edge power unit for 2028, underlining the automaker’s long-term commitment to the sport.
Andretti’s Reduced Role
Amid the excitement, Michael Andretti’s diminished role raises questions. Control of the F1 operation now lies with Dan Towriss and Mark Walter, whose leadership transitions the team into a manufacturer-driven organization under Cadillac’s banner. Michael Andretti, once at the forefront of the bid, will play no active role in team operations but retains a presence in his IndyCar efforts.
Even Mario Andretti’s role is limited to an ambassadorial position, marking a bittersweet culmination of the family’s tireless campaign.
Cadillac F1: A New Era for American Motorsport
The announcement establishes Cadillac F1 as the second American team on the grid, joining Haas F1. However, unlike Haas—which lacks American drivers and struggles competitively—Cadillac aims to build a truly American team, prioritizing U.S. talent on the global stage.
This monumental move aligns with F1’s skyrocketing popularity in the U.S., punctuated by three high-profile American races in Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas. With the sport’s booming presence stateside, Cadillac F1 is poised to capitalize on its home market.
Looking Ahead: A Fresh Start for Formula 1
The addition of Cadillac F1 promises to bring new energy, innovation, and competition to the grid. The spotlight now shifts to how this new team will fare against F1’s established giants, with its Ferrari-powered debut in 2026 and Cadillac-engine milestone in 2028 serving as pivotal moments in the sport’s future.
For fans and industry insiders alike, the countdown to Cadillac’s arrival has begun—and the story of Andretti and GM’s perseverance will be remembered as a landmark chapter in Formula 1 history.
