General Motors’ new Cadillac team has gained final approval to join an expanded grid for the 2026 Formula One season, marking a significant expansion of the sport. This approval, granted by the FIA and F1, allows Cadillac to establish its presence on the prestigious racing stage, increasing the number of teams competing to a total of 11 from next year onwards.
This exciting news comes after Cadillac secured an agreement in principle last November, establishing a collaborative effort between General Motors and the US group TWG Motorsports. This plan entails General Motors’ commitment to developing its own engines in-house by the end of the decade. Before the debut of its bespoke engine, the Cadillac team will have the advantage of running Ferrari’s engine and gearbox, as confirmed in a deal announced in December.
In a joint statement, both the FIA and F1 expressed their satisfaction with this new entry. They highlighted that the application by General Motors and TWG Motorsports for Cadillac to join the FIA Formula One World Championship was approved following extensive sporting, technical, and commercial assessments. F1 President Stefano Domenicali emphasized the importance of GM’s initiative, which aligns with the sport’s evolution, thanking both GM and TWG for their dedicated involvement over several months.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem remarked on the transformative nature of this moment for the championship. He noted that the inclusion of the Cadillac team would bring fresh energy to Formula 1, coinciding with the new regulations set for 2026. This unique addition is envisioned to inspire future competitors and increase fan engagement, reinforcing the FIA’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of motorsport at the highest level.
Leaders in this project include Dan Towriss, the CEO of TWG Global’s motorsport division, and Graeme Lowdon, who has taken the role of team principal at Cadillac. Notably, although the initial entry proposal under the Andretti name was rejected by F1, the sports body welcomed a revised bid, particularly after General Motors demonstrated a greater commitment to building its own engine and secured a deal to use a customer engine from a current F1 manufacturer.
Mario Andretti, the celebrated American racing icon and 1978 F1 World Champion, remains involved in this initiative as an advisor, providing valuable experience and knowledge to the Cadillac team.
With the entry now confirmed, the focus of the media and fans will shift rapidly to Cadillac’s search for drivers. The team has two available seats, igniting speculation about potential signings. Experienced drivers such as Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, who have recently departed from their Red Bull and Sauber seats, have already been linked with potential roles in this exciting new team. Furthermore, the team has expressed a desire to include an American driver in its initial lineup, with reports suggesting that IndyCar’s Colton Herta, a promising 24-year-old with an impressive track record of nine victories in the United States, is in contention to join the team.
As the anticipation builds for the 2026 season, the introduction of Cadillac into Formula 1 promises to usher in a new chapter for the sport, generating excitement and interest from fans worldwide. With this expansion, Cadillac aims not only to compete at the highest level but also to contribute positively to the racing community and inspire a new generation of motorsport enthusiasts.
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