Cadillac Enters Formula 1: FIA Confirms 2026 Debut

Cadillac, backed by General Motors and TWG Motorsports, officially joins Formula 1 in 2026 after FIA approval. Learn about the team’s plans, leadership, and technical development.

Formula 1 is expanding its grid: starting in 2026, the championship will welcome its 11th team — The Cadillac Formula 1 Team. This project, backed by TWG Motorsports in collaboration with General Motors, marks a significant moment in motorsport history, underscoring the growing interest of major American brands in F1.

The FIA and Formula 1 management have officially approved Cadillac’s entry, setting the stage for a full-fledged debut. Unlike many past newcomers, Cadillac aims to evolve into a true works team, with long-term plans to develop both its own chassis and power units.

Who’s Leading the Project:

• Graeme Lowdon, a seasoned motorsport executive, will take the reins as Team Principal.
• Russ O’Blenes has been named CEO of TWG GM Performance Power Units LLC, overseeing the development of Cadillac’s future F1 engine.
• Over 300 engineers are already working on the project across Indianapolis, Charlotte, Warren, and Silverstone.

Cadillac has ambitious long-term goals, including building its own power unit. However, the team will likely rely on a supplier for its initial seasons while ramping up its in-house engine program. The details of this partnership have yet to be confirmed.

The driver lineup remains unconfirmed. While speculation surrounds names like Guanyu Zhou, Valtteri Bottas, Sergio Perez, Mick Schumacher, and Colton Herta, no official announcements have been made.

The addition of an 11th team is a major shift for a sport that has long operated with a ten-team format. TWG Motorsports and GM’s entry highlights Formula 1’s growing appeal to major manufacturers and strengthens the U.S. presence in the series. With three U.S. Grand Prix races (Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas), the arrival of an American-backed team feels like a natural step in F1’s expansion.

Cadillac is moving fast. The 2026 car concept is already in development, with aerodynamic testing, component production, and simulations in full swing. In the coming months, the team is expected to announce its driver lineup and confirm key technical partnerships.

The official debut is set for March 2026. Formula 1 is preparing for a new contender — and potentially, a new era for American motorsport.

Source: cadillac.com