GM Secures Green Light to Enter Formula 1 with Cadillac Team in 2026
GM has officially received the green light to compete in Formula 1, marking a monumental step for both the brand and the sport. Cadillac will join the grid in 2026 as F1’s 11th team, a move poised to further solidify the sport’s growing influence in the United States and bring one of America’s most iconic car brands to the international motorsport stage.
Cadillac’s Path to Formula 1 Glory
Initially, the Cadillac-branded team will serve as a customer outfit, relying on existing power unit suppliers. However, GM’s vision extends beyond this early phase, with plans to develop its own Formula 1 power unit by the end of the decade. This strategic ambition was key to securing Formula 1’s approval for Cadillac’s entry, as it aims to eventually become a full-fledged “works” team, significantly raising the stakes in the competition.
“The surge in Formula 1’s popularity in the U.S. made Cadillac’s entry an obvious choice,” confirmed Greg Maffei, the outgoing CEO of Liberty Media, the parent company of Formula 1. He added that GM’s commitment to developing its own power unit played a crucial role in the decision to allow Cadillac onto the grid.
The Journey from Andretti’s Bid to Cadillac’s Independent Entry
This announcement follows months of speculation and discussions that began when Andretti Global, in partnership with Cadillac, submitted a joint bid to the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). While the bid was initially supported by the FIA, it faced significant resistance within the Formula 1 community. The application ultimately stalled due to tensions between Michael Andretti, CEO of Andretti Global, and Formula 1 executives.
In a shift, GM decided to distance itself from Andretti’s bid and pursued its independent entry under the Cadillac name. This move was officially approved, and TWG Worldwide, a new motorsport entity that oversees Andretti Global, Wayne Taylor Racing, and Apex Motorsports, will support the operations of the Cadillac team. Through this partnership, Cadillac gains access to top-tier resources in both the U.S. and Silverstone, England, and importantly, it will have the guidance of Mario Andretti, the legendary Formula 1 World Champion and father of Michael Andretti, as board supervisor.
The Bigger Picture for Formula 1
Cadillac’s entry is a significant part of Formula 1’s ongoing strategy to diversify its team ownership and foster greater competition. “This adds a highly respected American marque to the grid, setting the stage for deeper fan engagement and fresh competitive dynamics,” said an F1 spokesperson.
As Formula 1 continues to expand its presence in the United States, Cadillac’s involvement is expected to elevate the sport’s appeal and draw in a new wave of fans. The team’s 2026 debut marks just the beginning of what Cadillac plans to be a key player in the sport’s development and the fiercely contested battles on the track.
The grid is about to get a lot more exciting, and with Cadillac’s entry, the future of Formula 1 has never looked more promising.