Cadillac appears ready to take a bold step into Formula 1, aiming for a debut in 2026 after nearly two years of discussions. General Motors has reached an agreement in principle to introduce a Cadillac-branded F1 team, though its in-house power unit might not meet the debut timeline. This effort partners GM with TWG Global, a group with deep motorsport ties, including Andretti Global, Wayne Taylor Racing, and Spire Motorsports.
Mario Andretti, America’s last Formula 1 champion, will serve as a director on the team’s board. “Formula 1 was my first love, and it remains my happy place 70 years later,” Andretti said, reflecting on his passion for the sport. His and his son Michael’s persistence has been instrumental in Cadillac’s F1 push. Michael stepped down from Andretti Global leadership in September to focus on the venture.
The Cadillac-Andretti bid faced challenges despite gaining FIA approval, as Formula 1 Management initially rejected the entry for 2026. Cadillac was given a path to join in 2028, contingent on developing its own power unit by then. Undeterred, GM continued to move forward, assembling teams for design and engineering at facilities in Indiana, North Carolina, Michigan, and England, highlighting a global commitment.
GM aims to establish Cadillac as a full works team, producing both its chassis and power unit by the decade’s end. For 2026 and 2027, Cadillac would rely on third-party power units while preparing its hybrid engine for 2028. Formula 1’s updated rules for 2026 retain the 1.6-liter turbo-hybrid V6 format, increasing emphasis on electric energy to reduce combustion engine power.
If Cadillac secures its spot on the grid in 2026, it will mark the first new team since Haas in 2016. Unlike Haas, Cadillac is expected to embrace its American identity proudly. This aligns with F1’s growing U.S. footprint, driven by Liberty Media’s ownership, which has added three American races to the calendar—a fitting stage for an iconic American brand.
