Cadillac is set to make its long-awaited entry to Formula 1 for the 2026 season, promising to bring new energy and ambition to the sport. With the global reach of General Motors behind them, Cadillac’s return is not just about participating; it's about competing at the highest levels.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali confirmed recently there would be an "update to formalise" Cadillac’s entry, noting the excitement surrounding their impending participation. “We always said Cadillac is giving and will give an incredible boost to the ecosystem of F1,” he emphasized, indicating just how significant their involvement could be.
The 2026 season signifies the introduction of new power unit and aerodynamic regulations, which Cadillac seems poised to leverage. Historically, Cadillac's attempts to enter F1 faced hurdles—including complicated negotiations with the FIA and initial rejections from F1 Management. Yet, the current enthusiasm reflects the changing tides as Cadillac aims to position itself firmly within the racing elite.
The partnership between Cadillac and Ferrari has already been confirmed for the 2026 season, where Cadillac will utilize Ferrari power units for the initial two years before transitioning to develop their own motors by 2028. This strategic move indicates GM's commitment to engineering excellence within a sport recognized for its technological advancements. Domenicali noted, "They will be ready to fight against or together with the other teams for next year," underlining Cadillac's goal to transform from mere participant to serious competitor.
Central to Cadillac’s initiation plan is the desire to field American drivers—reflecting its identity and connecting the brand to its roots. Cadillac F1 chief Dan Towriss shared his vision, stating, "I think we would love to see an American driver in Formula 1, but we want to make sure we do it the right way." Their aim is not solely to fulfill a nationalistic agenda but to select the right candidate who can thrive under the intense pressures of F1 racing.
Among the American prospects, Jak Crawford, who is currently racing in Formula 2 with the DAMS team, stands out as a potential candidate for the Cadillac F1 roster. Discussing his aspirations, Crawford mentioned, "Of course, I’ve said before I would love to race in F1, and F1 is my dream and my goal." His ambition reflects the wider hope for American representation on the F1 grid.
Crawford has already gained valuable experience as reserve driver for the Andretti team, which has connections to Cadillac. That familiarity with systems and circuits could benefit his potential transition to F1. He acknowledged, “At the moment, it’s still very early... I still haven’t even turned a lap of F2 yet, so we don’t know,” showing his focus on upcoming races.
While there are other candidates, including IndyCar star Colton Herta, the roadmap for Cadillac includes identifying drivers who not only excel on the track but also resonate with the team's vision and culture. Towriss confirmed, “There are several American drivers who have experience in the lower Formula series...so we’ll work on it.” This thoughtful approach highlights their intention not to rush but build for long-term success.
Cadillac’s entry is not solely based on prestige; it reflects growing ambitious motorsport developments within the brand and General Motors. The establishment of a motorsport-dedicated arm suggests Cadillac's seriousness about its future, building upon the groundwork laid by its predecessors like Andretti Global. This partnership strengthens Cadillac’s foothold as it prepares to integrate both talent and technology seamlessly.
With the F1 season set to kick off with the Australian Grand Prix from March 14-16, anticipation surrounds both Cadillac’s debut and the forthcoming changes within the sport. The murmurs of new rivalries and the prospect of Cadillac’s unique contribution—especially with committed American talent—spike interest among fans and stakeholders alike.
Cadillac’s progress and plans encapsulate the blend of tradition and innovation so central to motorsports. It’s not merely about racing on the world's biggest stage; it’s centered on fostering competition, enhancing technical capabilities, and promoting American heritage within the sport. With officials from both Cadillac and F1 excited about this development, the automotive world is watching closely as this eminent brand gears up to make its mark on Formula 1like never before.