Cadillac Approved to Join Formula 1 Grid in 2026
Cadillac’s dream of entering the prestigious world of Formula 1 has finally come true, as the American car giant has been given the green light to form its own team for the 2026 season. This exciting development will see the F1 grid expand to 11 teams, with Cadillac joining the ranks of elite racing teams.
Managed by TWG Motorsport and General Motors, the new Cadillac Formula 1 team marks a significant milestone for the brand. After previous attempts to enter F1 under the leadership of Michael Andretti were unsuccessful, Cadillac has now secured its place on the grid with the approval of both F1 and the FIA.
GM president Mark Reuss expressed his delight at the approval, highlighting the opportunity to showcase GM’s engineering expertise on the global stage of Formula 1. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali also praised General Motors for their commitment to bringing a Cadillac team to the sport, describing it as a positive evolution for F1.
While the team will initially use customer Ferrari engines, they have plans to develop and run their own V6 hybrid power units in the future, possibly from 2028. The roots of the new Cadillac team can be traced back to the Andretti Cadillac project, with TWG Motorsport now taking the reins and Briton Graeme Lowdon serving as principal.
With operations in both the US and UK, the Cadillac team aims to bring a distinctly American flair to F1. The timing of their entry in 2026 coincides with a major overhaul of F1’s technical regulations, leveling the playing field for new teams like Cadillac.
In addition to Cadillac, Audi will also make its debut on the grid next year, further enriching the competition with its own engine program. By 2028, F1 could see a total of six manufacturer engine programs, including Ferrari, Mercedes-AMG, Red Bull-Ford, Honda, Audi, and General Motors.
