The announcement of General Motors’ Cadillac joining the Formula 1 grid in 2026 as the sport’s second USA-based team, alongside Haas, has garnered widespread praise from motorsport icons Jacques Villeneuve and Johnny Herbert. The duo highlighted the monumental significance of this addition, both for Formula 1’s global appeal and the future of American motorsport.
Villeneuve: “A Game-Changer for F1”
Speaking with Spin Casino, Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 F1 World Champion, expressed optimism about GM’s entry. He emphasized the painstaking journey that culminated in this groundbreaking decision, calling it a crucial development for the sport’s growth.
“Formula 1 has always sought engine manufacturers, and GM’s inclusion is exactly what the sport has been wanting,” Villeneuve remarked. “This is a significant moment – a new constructor from overseas is rare and beneficial. With only ten teams, the sport can be vulnerable if one team stops. Adding GM provides more stability.”
Villeneuve acknowledged the resistance from existing teams concerned about revenue dilution but pointed out the potential for growth:
“Some teams won’t be happy because they see the F1 cake having an extra slice. But if the cake grows bigger, then an extra slice shouldn’t be an issue.”
A Competitive Future
Villeneuve stressed that GM’s success would depend on a competitive approach akin to Mercedes or Ferrari rather than merely participating for branding:
“If GM follows Alpine’s example, it won’t serve any purpose. But if they emulate Mercedes or Ferrari, it could be worthwhile. They must succeed because failing would damage their brand across all markets.”
He also suggested Carlos Sainz as an ideal candidate for GM’s lineup, pairing him with an emerging American talent like Colton Herta due to Herta’s connections with Andretti.
“Sainz is perfect for building a team, but Williams may be reluctant to let him go.”
Herbert: “A Brilliant Addition to F1”
Fellow F1 veteran Johnny Herbert echoed Villeneuve’s enthusiasm, praising GM Cadillac’s entry as a boon for the sport’s American market and global reach:
“It is brilliant for F1. It opens up space for another two drivers to get on to the grid. Now we have General Motors, we have exactly that. It is a really positive thing for the American market and the global market for F1 to have a brand like Cadillac on board.”
Boost for American Talent
Herbert highlighted Cadillac’s potential as a catalyst for developing American drivers:
“In the longer term, this could be the opportunity to bring on the next American driver. Cadillac could be the catalyst for that journey to F1 for a young American. It’s a win-win situation.”
Andretti’s Legacy
Both Villeneuve and Herbert emphasized the pivotal role of Mario Andretti in lending credibility and legacy to the project.
“You can’t overestimate the importance of having Mario involved,” said Herbert. “This just adds so much credibility to the whole operation.”
The Road Ahead
Both Villeneuve and Herbert are optimistic about GM’s potential to shake up the Formula 1 hierarchy. However, they stress the importance of a serious commitment:
“I want to see this as a successful challenge to the status quo,” said Herbert. “I hope this will be a full assault on F1.”
With its formidable resources and partnership with Andretti Global, GM Cadillac’s entry represents a new chapter for Formula 1, poised to strengthen the sport’s foothold in the U.S. and set a benchmark for future manufacturers.