Formula 1 is finally set to expand its grid in 2026, and the long battle for American representation in the sport has taken a major step forward. With General Motors’ Cadillac project officially greenlit, the sport will see its first 11-team grid since 2016.
But according to Mario Andretti, this wasn’t just a win for Cadillac—it was a critical moment for Formula 1’s future in America. Had F1 rejected the bid, he believes the backlash would have been significant, sending a negative message to American fans and manufacturers alike.
“It would have been a big mistake to reject us. It would not have been well received in America.”
Andretti, a legend of motorsport and an advisor to the Cadillac team, insists that the name on the car isn’t what matters—it’s about making the project work and bringing long-term stability to F1’s expansion in the U.S.
“It’s about the cause, no matter what it’s called. The important thing is that it succeeds.”
The Long Road to F1: From Andretti Global to General Motors
The journey to Cadillac’s F1 entry has been anything but smooth.
🔴 2023: Michael Andretti, son of 1978 F1 champion Mario Andretti, spearheads a bid for Andretti Global to join F1 in partnership with General Motors.
🔴 FIA approval: The FIA gives the green light, but Formula 1 rejects the entry, claiming concerns over the team’s readiness and financial viability.
🔴 A new approach: GM reshapes the bid, taking full control, and commits to building power units for 2028.
🔴 2026 Entry Confirmed: F1 finally accepts GM’s proposal, making Cadillac the first new manufacturer-backed team in over a decade.
While Michael Andretti has since stepped away, Mario Andretti makes it clear that none of this would have happened without their initial push.
“The project would not have been born without us, and it would not have reached General Motors without us.”
Now, with Cadillac set to make its debut in 2026, the focus shifts to the most crucial question—who will drive for the new team?
Who Will Drive for Cadillac in 2026?
With two brand-new seats opening on the grid, speculation is already in overdrive.
Mario Andretti confirmed that the team is prioritizing an American driver, but also wants an experienced name to lead the project.
“From our standpoint, I think the play at the beginning would be to have one experienced driver – nationality doesn’t matter – and then a young American talent.”
Possible Candidates
🇺🇸 Colton Herta – The IndyCar star has long been linked to F1 but was denied a Super Licence in 2022. With Cadillac entering the grid, he becomes the leading candidate for an American seat.
🇲🇽 Sergio Pérez – Currently out at Red Bull after 2024, Perez brings race-winning experience and a strong U.S. fanbase, making him an ideal veteran to develop the team.
🇫🇮 Valtteri Bottas – The 10-time Grand Prix winner will likely be out of a full-time seat by 2025, making him a valuable asset for Cadillac’s launch season.
🇨🇳 Zhou Guanyu – With Sauber transitioning to Audi, Zhou’s future is uncertain. As F1’s first Chinese driver, his marketability could appeal to Cadillac’s global ambitions.
🇩🇰 Kevin Magnussen – A solid, aggressive racer with Haas experience, Magnussen could provide veteran leadership if he loses his seat at Haas before 2026.
Final Take: Cadillac’s Entry is a Game-Changer for American F1 Expansion
With Las Vegas, Miami, and Austin thriving on the calendar, F1’s presence in the U.S. has never been stronger. But until now, there’s been no true American-backed team in the sport.
That changes in 2026, as Cadillac finally brings a full-fledged U.S. manufacturer into the mix—and according to Mario Andretti, F1 would have been foolish to turn its back on the opportunity.
Now, with the team officially on the grid, all eyes turn to who will drive for America’s newest F1 entry.
Could Colton Herta finally break into Formula 1?
Will a veteran like Perez or Bottas take the lead?
One thing is certain—Cadillac is about to shake up the F1 landscape like never before.
