New Cadillac Entry Provisional for 11th Spot in Major F1 2026 Shake-Up

Formula 1 has officially confirmed a groundbreaking development: a Cadillac-branded team backed by General Motors is slated to join the grid as the 11th team in 2026. This announcement marks a pivotal moment in the sport’s history, bringing a prominent American manufacturer to the forefront of global motorsport.

A New Era for American Motorsports

After months of anticipation, Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 has been solidified with an agreement in principle. Backed by General Motors (GM), the move underscores GM’s determination to make its mark in the world’s most prestigious motorsport.

The roots of this initiative trace back to 2022, when Michael Andretti’s organization expressed interest in joining F1 and initiated the FIA’s formal tendering process. Andretti’s proposal was the only one to pass FIA’s rigorous evaluation, but it faced rejection from the sport’s commercial rights holder, Formula One Management (FOM). Despite the setback, the door was left open for General Motors to pursue its ambitions independently.

Andretti’s Resilience Shapes Cadillac’s F1 Future

Michael Andretti, a former racing champion, has been instrumental in paving the way for GM’s entry. Following FOM’s rejection, Andretti Global continued building its infrastructure near Silverstone and in the United States, recruiting top industry talent such as Graeme Lowdon and Pat Symonds.

In the midst of these developments, Andretti faced challenges, including congressional hearings and an antitrust investigation into Liberty Media’s handling of new team applications. Michael Andretti eventually stepped down as CEO, making room for a GM-led leadership structure with Dan Towriss at the helm.

Mario Andretti Joins as Team Director

Mario Andretti, the legendary 1978 F1 World Champion, has been announced as a director for the Cadillac Formula 1 team. His involvement adds a rich legacy to the project.

“My first love was Formula 1, and to still be involved at this stage of my life is a dream come true,” Andretti expressed.

Power Unit Development and Full Works Team

General Motors has ambitious plans for its F1 venture, including the creation of an in-house power unit by the end of the decade. This initiative positions Cadillac as a full works team, signaling GM’s commitment to becoming a competitive force in Formula 1.

Statements from Formula 1 and the FIA

Formula 1, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei have expressed strong support for GM’s entry.

• Mohammed Ben Sulayem: “General Motors is a powerhouse in the OEM world. This agreement in principle is a testament to their commitment to excellence in Formula 1.”
• Greg Maffei: “GM’s inclusion aligns with Formula 1’s growth strategy in the U.S., and we look forward to their contribution to the sport’s ecosystem.”

Looking Ahead to 2026

With Formula 1’s popularity surging in the United States, Cadillac’s addition promises to further solidify the sport’s presence in the region. As the team gears up for its 2026 debut, fans can expect updates on GM’s progress and their collaboration with the FIA and FOM to bring this vision to life.

This new chapter in F1 history not only celebrates the inclusion of an iconic American brand but also sets the stage for an exciting evolution of the grid dynamics in the years to come.