Cadillac has received formal approval from Formula 1 to join the grid in 2026 as the 11th team to go Grand Prix racing, the series revealed on Friday.
The American marque’s effort, backed by TWG Motorsports and General Motors was given the initial green light in November, shortly after the Las Vegas Grand Prix, but now the decision is beyond all reasonable doubt with this rubber-stamped approval.
In the interim time between November and Friday’s formal approval, the Cadillac F1 effort, a rebranded enterprise of Michael Andretti’s former failed bid, has begun putting pieces in place to ready itself for its 2026 debut.
That prep has included signing a Ferrari engine and gearbox supply deal, with plans already underway for a Cadillac powertrain to be developed in time for the 2028 season.
Moreover, the team has begun wind tunnel testing at Toyota’s Cologne facility and hired a Team Principal in Graeme Lowdon.
On Friday, a joint announcement by F1 and the FIA read: “following the completion of their respective sporting, technical and commercial assessments, the application by General Motors and TWG Motorsports to bring a Cadillac team to the FIA Formula One World Championship from 2026 has been approved.”
Cadillac team ‘important’ and ‘positive’ for F1 – Domenicali
Amid the announcement, Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of F1, said: “As we said in November, the commitment by General Motors to bring a Cadillac team to Formula 1 was an important and positive demonstration of the evolution of our sport.
“I want to thank GM and TWG Motorsports for their constructive engagement over many months and look forward to welcoming the team on the grid from 2026 for what will be another exciting year for Formula 1.”
Heading the enterprise from TWG standpoint is Dan Towriss, CEO of the company’s Motorsport’s division and the man responsible for taking over the Andretti bid once its figurehead Michael stepped away last Autumn.
“For the past year, we have worked hand in hand with GM, to lay a robust foundation for an extraordinary Formula 1 entry,” said Towriss.
“Now, with 2026 in our sights after today’s final approval from the FIA and Formula One Management, we’re accelerating our efforts—expanding our facilities, refining cutting-edge technologies, and continuing to assemble top-tier talent.”
Cadillac is a General Motors brand and GM is one of the largest automotive manufacturers in the world.
“We’re thrilled the Cadillac Formula 1 Team is official, as the team has been accelerating its work,” said GM President Mark Reuss.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the support from the FIA and Formula One Management leadership for us and for our partners at TWG. The excitement only grows as we get closer to showcasing GM’s engineering expertise on the prestigious global stage of F1.”
“Today marks a transformative moment, and I am proud to lead the Federation in this progressive step for the championship,” said FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
“The FIA Formula One Championship’s expansion to an 11th team in 2026 is a milestone. GM/Cadillac brings fresh energy, aligning with the new FIA 2026 regulations and ushering in an exciting era for the sport.
“GM/Cadillac’s presence in the paddock will inspire future competitors and fans. Their entry strengthens our mission to push motorsport’s boundaries at the highest level.”
Beyond Lowdon’s appointment, Cadillac has a Technical Director in Nick Chester, a consultant in Pat Symonds and appointed Russ O’Blenes as head of power unit development.
Moreover, the hiring spree over the past 12 months has included recruiting Rob White as Chief Operating Officer and former Haas stalwart Peter Crolla as Team Manager.
READ MORE – Mario Andretti: Colton Herta is ‘a great candidate’ for Cadillac F1
