Formula 1 approves General Motors’ Cadillac entry as the 11th team for 2026, with plans to debut as a customer team and develop its own power unit.
General Motors (GM) has officially secured approval to join the Formula 1 grid as the 11th team under the Cadillac brand. The American automaker will make its debut in 2026, marking a significant milestone as it becomes a key player in the sport’s growing U.S. market.
Cadillac’s Formula 1 Strategy
Initially, Cadillac will operate as a customer team, utilizing existing power units. However, GM has pledged to develop its own powertrain, aiming to become a “full works” team by the end of the decade. Formula 1’s decision to approve Cadillac’s entry highlights the automaker’s long-term commitment to the sport.
“Welcoming a premier U.S. brand like Cadillac to the grid aligns with Formula 1’s expansion plans in the United States and underscores GM’s potential as a future power unit supplier,” said Greg Maffei, outgoing CEO of Liberty Media.
Overcoming Previous Challenges
The approval comes 10 months after Andretti Global’s Cadillac-backed application faced rejection from Formula 1 despite receiving FIA approval. Speculation suggested that tensions between Michael Andretti, then-CEO of Andretti Global, and F1 executives hindered the earlier bid. By removing the Andretti branding, GM successfully paved the way for Cadillac’s entry.
Strategic Partnerships
Cadillac’s Formula 1 effort will partner with TWG Global, the parent company of Andretti Global, Wayne Taylor Racing, and Spire Motorsports. Leveraging TWG’s extensive resources in the U.S. and Silverstone, England, the new team aims to establish itself as a competitive force. Notably, Mario Andretti, the last American to win a Formula 1 championship, will serve as a director on the team’s board.
A New Era for U.S. Involvement in Formula 1
Cadillac’s entry reflects Formula 1’s growing popularity in the United States and bolsters its global appeal. With GM’s plans to transition to a works team, this move could significantly reshape the competitive landscape of the sport, offering fans and stakeholders a fresh narrative as the 2026 season approaches.
This landmark partnership positions Cadillac as a trailblazer, ensuring a bold American presence on the Formula 1 grid.
