Cadillac is charging full throttle into Formula 1, with its highly anticipated debut set for the 2026 season. After securing approval from F1 and the FIA, the iconic American brand is wasting no time in preparing for what it calls an “extraordinary F1 entry.”
A Long Road to the Grid
The journey began over two years ago when the FIA opened the door for an 11th team to join the F1 grid. Initially, Andretti’s bid—backed by General Motors (GM)—was turned down by Formula One Management (FOM) just over a year ago. However, the possibility of a GM-led effort lingered. The breakthrough came when Michael Andretti stepped back, paving the way for GM and its partner, TWG Motorsports, led by Dan Towriss, to take the reins. With GM committing to supply a power unit by 2028, F1 finally greenlit Cadillac’s commercial entry, marking a significant milestone for the Cadillac F1 team.
Behind closed doors, TWG and GM never slowed down. For months, they’ve been quietly assembling resources, hiring key personnel, and pushing development forward, confident their bid would succeed. Now, with just over 10 months until 2026 pre-season testing, the clock is ticking—but the team is ready to accelerate its efforts.
Building a Competitive Force
Dan Towriss, head of TWG Motorsports, couldn’t hide his enthusiasm. “We’ve partnered closely with GM for years to create a solid base for this exceptional Cadillac Formula 1 entry,” he said. “With approval secured, we’re ramping up—expanding our facilities, sharpening innovative technologies, and recruiting the best talent in the industry.”
Since the project kicked off in January 2023, the Cadillac F1 team has grown to over 300 experts, focusing on aerodynamics, chassis design, component manufacturing, software development, and vehicle dynamics simulation. Meanwhile, operational hubs in Indianapolis, Charlotte, Warren, and Silverstone are buzzing with activity. Wind-tunnel models are being tested, parts are in production, and performance evaluations are underway—all critical steps to ensure the team hits the ground running in 2026.
GM’s Big Bet on F1
Mark Reuss, GM president, echoed the excitement. “The Cadillac Formula 1 Team is now a reality, and our crew has been hard at work speeding toward this moment,” he said. “We’re thankful for the FIA and F1 leadership’s support, as well as our collaboration with TWG. As we near the chance to display GM’s engineering prowess on F1’s global stage, the anticipation is electric.” Indeed, this venture promises to spotlight Cadillac’s innovation on one of motorsport’s most prestigious platforms.
Leadership and Vision
Graeme Lowdon, named team principal last year, views this as validation of relentless effort. “Today’s announcement moves us closer to the grid and fuels our drive to build a full-fledged works team,” he stated. “Throughout the rigorous application process, we’ve kept pushing forward, never doubting our goal. We’re eager to race and give fans a fresh team to root for.” His leadership has been instrumental in maintaining momentum, ensuring that every detail aligns with the team’s ambitious vision.
What Lies Ahead
With Cadillac’s F1 debut fast approaching, the focus remains on execution. The team’s rapid progress—spanning multiple U.S. and U.K. facilities—demonstrates a commitment to excellence. While the power unit won’t arrive until 2028, the groundwork laid now will shape their competitiveness from day one. For fans and industry watchers alike, Cadillac’s entry adds a thrilling new chapter to F1’s evolving landscape. Stay tuned as this powerhouse prepares to make its mark.
