Cadillac Debuts in F1
Cadillac made its long-awaited debut as an American constructor at the Australian Grand Prix with drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas. The team in partnership with TWG Motorsports has already confirmed first upgrades for the car, signaling serious intent to be competitive from the outset.
Cadillac's journey to the Formula 1 grid is the culmination of a persistent effort, initially led by Andretti Global. After the initial bid was rejected by Formula One Group, TWG Global acquired Andretti Global and, through its TWG Motorsports division, secured the entry for the 2026 season. Michael Andretti is no longer involved with the team, while his father, 1978 F1 champion Mario Andretti, serves on the board of directors. The new constructor brings a rich racing heritage to the pinnacle of motorsport. Cadillac first entered competitive racing in 1949 in the precursor to NASCAR and competed at Le Mans as early as 1950. More recently, the brand has achieved significant success in sports car racing, securing multiple championships in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The team, officially named the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, is the first new constructor to join the F1 grid since Haas in 2016. While Haas competes under the American flag, Cadillac's entry as a full constructor represents a significant moment for American involvement in the sport, a history that includes teams like Penske and Shadow from the 1970s. The team's inaugural car has been christened the MAC-26, a tribute to Mario Andretti. For its initial seasons, the car will be powered by a customer Ferrari engine, with General Motors planning to introduce its own power unit by 2029. The team's operations are spread across the US, with bases in Indiana, North Carolina, and Michigan, as well as a European facility in Silverstone, England. Leading the charge is CEO Dan Towriss, who was instrumental in the team's formation. The driver lineup of Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas was chosen for their extensive experience, with the team opting against an American driver like Colton Herta for its debut season. Herta, however, will serve as a test driver for the team.
