Esteban Ocon Dismisses Potential Rivalry Between Haas and Cadillac in Formula 1
As the countdown to the 2026 Formula 1 season begins, all eyes are on the latest addition to the grid: Cadillac. But in a surprising twist, Alpine driver Esteban Ocon has thrown cold water on the idea that there will be an intense rivalry between the American teams, Haas and Cadillac.
Since its establishment in 2016, Haas has proudly waved the American flag as the only U.S. team in the sport. However, Cadillac’s imminent entry as the 11th team promises to shake things up in the paddock. With the arrival of this General Motors-backed powerhouse coinciding with a major overhaul of the regulations, one might expect sparks to fly. But Ocon insists that the competition will be just like any other, stating, “Not more than anyone around us.”
In a candid media interaction, the Frenchman emphasized that Haas will treat Cadillac as just another rival among the established teams. “I think everyone around us, from right side of the motorhome to left side, they are all rivals to us,” he said, downplaying the notion of a uniquely American feud on the racetrack.
Despite Ocon’s dismissive stance, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Cadillac as it gears up for its entry into the elite world of Formula 1 racing. The team is set to kick off its journey as a customer of Ferrari, with aspirations to evolve into a full works team by 2028. However, Ocon warns that the road ahead will be fraught with challenges. “It’s going to be a difficult start for Cadillac,” he remarked, acknowledging that even experienced drivers like Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez will face a steep learning curve in this high-octane environment.
Yet, there is a silver lining. Cadillac has secured a formidable technical lineup, bringing onboard seasoned veterans like Pat Symonds, Nick Chester, and Rob White—individuals Ocon knows from his own time at Alpine. This experienced team could be the key to Cadillac’s success. “Most of the people there have F1 experience,” Ocon noted, hinting that while Cadillac may be a new name in F1, it is backed by a wealth of expertise.
The excitement surrounding Cadillac’s debut is palpable, and while Ocon may play down the rivalry, the implications of this American showdown are far from trivial. As both teams prepare for battle on the global stage, one thing is certain: the 2026 season will be a thrilling chapter in the annals of Formula 1 history. Keep your eyes peeled, because the race is just beginning!