Cadillac Joins Formula 1: A Journey from Application to Reality

In a grand spectacle held in Miami, the much-anticipated Cadillac Formula 1 team unveiled its logo, marking the official entry of General Motors into the world’s premier motorsport. The event was attended by top management, potential sponsors, and VIPs, signaling the beginning of a thrilling new chapter in racing history.

The Long Road to Formula 1: Overcoming Obstacles and Waiting for the Green Light

The journey towards this moment began over two years ago when Andretti Global officially applied to enter F1. Since then, the path has been fraught with challenges, even involving the U.S. Congress. However, on March 7th, the wait finally ended as the green light was officially given.

The backers of the program, Mark Walter and Dan Towriss, had already taken significant steps to prepare for this moment. They set up and staffed the team’s Silverstone site without an official entry, demonstrating their commitment to the project. Now that Cadillac is officially in, activity levels have skyrocketed as the team readies itself for the 2026 season.

Partnerships and Collaborations: The Key to Success

To save time and ensure a competitive edge, project managers are considering drawing heavily from outside suppliers. Cadillac has partnered with Ferrari for power unit, gearbox, and rear suspension supply. Aerodynamic development has already begun in the Toyota wind tunnel in Cologne.

There are persistent rumors of a collaboration with Dallara regarding the construction of the chassis. However, it was revealed over the Miami weekend that the team has already built a body for crash tests, which passed despite being over the weight target set by engineers.

Building the Team: Recruitment and Organizational Structure

The organizational chart of the team calls for approximately 600 employees, with about half currently operational under the leadership of technical director Nick Chester. This is partly due to the gardening leave that several figures from other teams are serving.

Power Unit Project and Development: A Look into the Future

In addition to preparing for the 2026 season, Cadillac has also begun work on a power unit project slated to debut in 2029. All the work is being done in the United States at General Motors’ motorsport headquarters in Charlotte. The project has started with the creation of a single-cylinder unit, the first step towards a V6 that should be ready by September.

Despite the huge investment required for the project, work has continued at a reduced pace due to uncertainty regarding FIA decisions about F1’s future power unit direction. However, recent developments seem to have put these doubts to rest, with a massive order for test benches commissioned from AVL.

The Driver Market: Initial Consultations and Potential Candidates

Although not considered one of the most urgent topics, consultations on the driver market have begun at Cadillac. The team is considering experienced candidates to avoid rookie drivers, which has led to the initial candidacy of Colton Herta being shelved. The Californian will have to wait until late August to secure a superlicence.

There has been much talk about Sergio Perez, with rumors suggesting he could even attend Cadillac‘s Saturday night event in Miami. However, Mick Schumacher was the only driver present at the event. Along with Perez, team principal Graeme Lowdon’s shortlist features Zhou Guanyu, Valtteri Bottas, and Felipe Drugovich, a promising driver with good knowledge of the F1 world despite never competing in a grand prix.