Cadillac Set to Enter Formula 1 in 2026: What We Know So Far
Cadillac will officially make its Formula 1 debut in 2026, joining the grid as the 11th team in the championship. The American automotive giant has confirmed its plans and revealed key details about the structure, drivers, and management of the team, promising a bold and competitive entry into the sport.
At the helm of Cadillac’s new F1 project will be Graeme Lowdon, who brings previous experience from his roles at the Virgin and Marussia F1 teams. There had been speculation about former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner taking the leadership role, but Cadillac CEO Dan Towriss quickly put those rumors to rest. “Our support, belief, backing is 100% in Graeme Lowdon,” Towriss said. Towriss, who also owns the motorsport organization Andretti Global, emphasized that Lowdon’s experience and leadership will be central to Cadillac’s Formula 1 ambitions.
In terms of power units, Cadillac will initially purchase engines from Ferrari while it develops its own Formula 1 power units. The FIA has granted General Motors, Cadillac’s parent company, approval to build and supply engines from 2029 onwards. This phased approach will give the team time to establish itself competitively before introducing its own powertrain.
The team has also confirmed its driver lineup. Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, a pair with an impressive combined total of 106 podium finishes, will join Cadillac on multi-year contracts. Both drivers left their previous seats at the end of the 2024 season. Addressing questions about why the team opted for experienced drivers rather than younger talent, Lowdon stated, “Their leadership, feedback, race-hardened instincts, and, of course, their speed will be invaluable as we bring this team to life.” Supporting the main squad, 25-year-old IndyCar race winner Colton Herta has been named as the team’s test driver, ensuring continuity and development for future races.
The 2026 Formula 1 season will kick off with the Australian Grand Prix on March 6-8, marking the official start of Cadillac’s journey in the sport. The project was initially agreed in November 2024, when F1 and General Motors finalized a deal for the Cadillac brand to join the championship. The FIA formally approved the entry in March 2025, paving the way for a joint effort between GM and its partner TWG, which will manage the team’s operations.
Although Michael Andretti, the former team founder, will no longer have a hands-on role, his father Mario Andretti – the 1978 world champion – will serve as an advisor, offering guidance from his decades of motorsport experience. The push into F1 was largely motivated by upcoming changes to engine regulations and new chassis rules, which Cadillac sees as an opportunity to enter the sport on an even playing field.
This new entry is a refined version of the Andretti bid that was rejected in 2024. While the original proposal had received FIA approval, Formula 1’s commercial rights holders felt that it lacked certain strategic differentiators. Cadillac’s revised plan addresses these concerns, making the team a compelling addition to the grid.
Cadillac’s F1 operations will be spread across four bases – three in the United States and one in the UK. The UK base, located at Silverstone, will allow the team to maintain close ties with the British Grand Prix and benefit from proximity to the established F1 ecosystem. This makes Cadillac one of eight teams to maintain a UK presence, further cementing its commitment to competitive motorsport operations.
As the countdown to 2026 continues, Formula 1 fans and industry insiders will be keeping a close eye on Cadillac’s progress. The team promises to blend experience, technology, and innovation to make a strong impact in the championship from its very first race.
This report comes from the latest update from My Newspaper Sport’s Ask Me Anything team, delivering behind-the-scenes insights and expert analysis from the heart of Formula 1. Coverage spans the website, app, social media, YouTube, and live TV and radio.
