In a move set to redefine the Formula 1 landscape, General Motors (GM) and its legendary Cadillac brand are gearing up to hit the grid as the sport’s 11th team in 2026. After years of debate, resistance, and behind-the-scenes maneuvering, the project is finally a go—a development hailed as a “win-win for F1” by former driver Johnny Herbert and others.
From Setbacks to Success: Cadillac’s Road to F1
The journey to bring a new American team to Formula 1 hasn’t been smooth. Despite the FIA rubber-stamping Michael Andretti’s proposal, the project initially faced stiff resistance from Formula 1’s existing teams. The sport’s stakeholders argued against expanding the grid, citing financial concerns and competition dilution. But tides shifted when GM and Cadillac joined forces, bringing significant credibility and resources to the table.
By 2026, Cadillac will officially enter the championship, likely branded as an American powerhouse under the Andretti Global umbrella. The move marks only the second American team in F1’s modern era, joining Haas F1 Team in representing the red, white, and blue on the global stage.
A Boon for F1’s American Boom
With Formula 1 enjoying an unprecedented surge in popularity in the United States—fueled by the Netflix phenomenon “Drive to Survive” and landmark events like the Las Vegas Grand Prix—Cadillac’s entry couldn’t come at a better time.
Johnny Herbert emphasized the importance of this addition for both the sport and its growing American audience:
“Having General Motors and Cadillac on the grid is massive. It’s an American manufacturer that’s going to electrify the F1 bubble. The timing couldn’t be better, especially with the sport’s boom in the States. It’s fantastic for both the American and global markets.”
The Impact of an American Manufacturer
For decades, Formula 1 has been dominated by traditional European powerhouses like Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes. Cadillac’s entry represents a seismic shift, offering the potential for an American manufacturer to compete at the highest level of the sport.
Herbert continued:
“It’s lovely having Ferrari and McLaren as cornerstones of F1, but an American team like Cadillac adds something uniquely special. This is a chance for the U.S. to not only grow its fanbase but also stake a claim in the sport’s upper echelon. It’s a game-changer.”
Drivers and Dreams: Who Will Drive for Cadillac?
While the team’s entry is confirmed, its driver lineup remains a hot topic. Herbert noted the importance of having a next-generation American talent in the pipeline:
“This could be the catalyst to bring a young American driver into Formula 1. But right now, there isn’t an obvious candidate. Logan Sargeant had his shot but didn’t light up the grid.”
For a competitive debut, Herbert suggested combining experience with young potential:
“Someone like Carlos Sainz could bring invaluable expertise to a project like this, alongside a rising star from the young driver pool. Maybe someone like Isack Hadjar—he’s got the talent to make an impact.”
Cadillac’s Championship Aspirations
Herbert and others are adamant that Cadillac’s foray into Formula 1 must be more than a token effort:
“I don’t want this to be half-hearted,” Herbert declared. “This needs to be a full-on assault—winning races, challenging for titles, and shaking up the status quo. That’s what will make this a true success story.”
Greg Maffei’s Vision for GM and F1
Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei underscored Cadillac’s readiness to take on the world’s premier motorsport:
“We credit GM and their partners with significant progress. We’re excited to move forward with the application process for the GM/Cadillac team in 2026,” Maffei stated.
The Road Ahead
With Cadillac joining the grid, Formula 1 is poised to deepen its American roots and attract new fans worldwide. Backed by GM’s engineering expertise and Cadillac’s motorsport pedigree, the team has the potential to challenge F1’s European giants and redefine what’s possible for an American-led effort.
For now, the motorsport world watches with anticipation. Can Cadillac bring the fight to Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull? Will the team’s presence ignite a new era for F1 in the United States? The 2026 season can’t come soon enough.