Cadillac set to join Formula 1 in 2026
An 11th team on the grid
Formula 1 and General Motors have reached an agreement to make Cadillac the 11th team on the grid from 2026.
General Motors will initially launch and supply an F1 power unit to Cadillac, although the aim is for the team to build its own F1 cars and power units by the end of the decade.
Formula 1 has been satisfied with the progress made by GM/Cadillac, stating “they have achieved operational milestones and made clear their commitment” and will look to move forward with the application process.
“As the pinnacle of motorsports, F1 demands boundary-pushing innovation and excellence. It’s an honour for General Motors and Cadillac to join the world’s premier racing series, and we’re committed to competing with passion and integrity to elevate the sport for race fans around the world,” said GM President Mark Reuss. “This is a global stage for us to demonstrate GM’s engineering expertise and technology leadership at an entirely new level.”
What happened with Andretti’s bid?
The GM/Cadillac application is a revision following Andretti’s failed bid to join the sport in February of this year. It was felt at the time that an 11th team wouldn’t add value and that Andretti would not be competitive on the grid.
While Michael Andretti is no longer involved having stepped down from the company in September, he was quick to show his support with a post on X.
The new team will now comprise Dan Towriss, owner of Andretti Global, and TWG Global’s Mark Walter as well as other investors. Michael’s father Mario, the last American F1 Champion, will serve as a director on the team’s board.
“My first love was Formula 1 and now – 70 years later – the F1 paddock is still my happy place. I’m absolutely thrilled with Cadillac, Formula 1, Mark Walter, and Dan Towriss,” said Andretti. “To still be involved at this stage of my life — I have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming."
words: Mike Booth
pictures: General Motors