Cadillac F1 Team teases 2026 entry
The Cadillac F1 Team posted a teaser image with the caption "This is 2026," building anticipation for its entry into Formula 1. The social media post signals the team's ongoing preparations as the sport heads towards major regulation changes in the 2026 season.
- The new Cadillac F1 Team will be the first new constructor to join the grid since Haas in 2016, making it the 11th team in the championship. The entry is a partnership between General Motors (GM) and TWG Motorsports, which also operates Andretti Global. - For its debut, the team will use Ferrari power units, with a plan for GM to become a full power unit manufacturer by 2029. This follows GM formally registering with the FIA as a power unit manufacturer, with development of prototype technology already underway. - The team has signed veteran drivers Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas for its inaugural season, both on multi-year deals. The reserve driver will be Zhou Guanyu, with American driver Colton Herta serving as a test driver. - The 2026 season marks a significant shift in F1's technical regulations, particularly for power units. The new rules will see an increase in electrical power to nearly 50% of the total output and the removal of the MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit – Heat). - The entry process was not straightforward; an initial bid by Andretti, backed by Cadillac, was rejected by Formula One Management (FOM) despite FIA approval. The bid was later accepted after Michael Andretti stepped back from a leadership role and the team branding focused on Cadillac. - To support its F1 ambitions, the team is establishing a multi-national presence with facilities in Fishers, Indiana; Concord, North Carolina; Warren, Michigan; and a key European base in Silverstone, England. - General Motors paid a substantial expansion fee, reported to be $450 million, for the new entry. This "anti-dilution" fee is distributed among the existing 10 teams. - The team will be led by Team Principal Graeme Lowdon and CEO Dan Towriss, with Nick Chester as Chief Technical Officer. Michael Andretti's father, 1978 F1 World Champion Mario Andretti, will serve as a director on the team's board.
