The Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, is celebrating a significant breakthrough in Formula 1 racing. The Cadillac F1 team, a U.S. based outfit, has received approval for entry into the 2026 F1 championship season. This is a move that Sulayem describes as a transformative moment, marking a significant milestone in the championship’s history.
The Cadillac F1 team’s application for participation in the 2026 season was officially greenlit on Friday, making the American squad the 11th team confirmed for the grid in 2026. This approval comes on the heels of a lengthy discussion around the team, previously known as Andretti.
The team is headed by Graeme Lowdon, a former chief executive of Marussia who was appointed as team principal last year. The Cadillac F1 team will initially compete with customer Ferrari engines and gearboxes, but the General Motors brand has ambitious plans to produce their own power units in the future.
Sulayem, who assumed the FIA presidency in late 2021, has been a vocal supporter of the American team’s efforts to break into F1. He lauded the team’s successful application and is thrilled about the new energy the GM/Cadillac collaboration will bring to the sport, aligning with the new FIA 2026 regulations.
In a statement, Sulayem said, “Today marks a transformative moment, and I am proud to lead the Federation in this progressive step for the championship. The Cadillac Formula 1 Team’s presence in the paddock will inspire future competitors and fans. Their entry strengthens our mission to push motorsport’s boundaries at the highest level.”
Stefano Domenicali, the president and chief executive of Formula 1, also expressed his enthusiasm about the Cadillac team’s entry. He thanked GM and TWG for their constructive engagement over many months and eagerly anticipates welcoming the team on the grid from 2026, which he believes will be another exciting year for Formula 1.
Lowdon, equally thrilled, expressed pride in his team’s efforts. He views this announcement as a stepping stone towards building a full-works team. Despite the long and meticulous application process, he assured that the team never lost pace in their planning or their belief in the mission. He looks forward to hitting the racing track and giving fans a new team to cheer for.
