Cadillac is set to be the 11th team added to the Formula 1 circuit in 2026. General Motors/Cadillac previously received a thumbs down from F1 when they attempted to gain entry into the sport earlier this year. So, what’s changed, and how is Cadillac’s presence in the pit lane going to change Formula 1? Here’s what you need to know.
First New Team in a Decade
Haas was the last new team to debut on the F1 circuit in 2016. That makes Cadillac the first new team in the sport in a decade by the time they get on the track in 2026. More than that, that means there are two more seats in F1 up for grabs. The sport is highly competitive and not everyone who races for the lower-level Formula racing chapters, Formula 2 and Formula 3, make it into F1. However, Cadillac presents a new opportunity for up-and-coming drivers.
Formula 1’s Influence in the U.S.
The popularity of Formula is at an all-time high in the United States. Now that there are three races hosted in the U.S.: Austin, Miami, and Las Vegas, the sport’s influence has grown exponentially. In 2023, the sport generated more than $3 billion in economic impact in the States. Seeing an American car company like Cadillac making its way into the sport will likely only increase the popularity of Formula 1 in the U.S.
“With Formula 1’s continued growth plans in the US, we have always believed that welcoming an impressive US brand like GM/Cadillac to the grid and GM as a future power unit supplier could bring additional value and interest to the sport,” said Greg Maffei, Liberty president and CEO.
Andretti Has a Huge Fan Base in the States
Piggy-backing off the last point a bit – it’s clear that Cadillac’s entrance into Formula 1 will draw in more fans in the U.S. for another reason as well. The 11th team is being led by Andretti Global, which is owned by former IndyCar and ChampCar star Michael Andretti. That’s right! Mario Andretti’s son. For those not in the know, Mario Andretti is a former American racing driver. He sat in his own F1 car from 1968 to 1982. Seeing the family’s name back in the sport is exciting for many long-time fans.
Another Ford Rivalry in Racing
People who follow F1 closely know that General Motors and Cadillac were initially rejected from the sport earlier this year. The initial proposal suggested that Cadillac would enter the sport and then by 2028, GM would be building its own engine. Instead, Cadillac will be powered by Ferrari engines when it makes its entrance in 2026.
Ford is also entering the world of Formula 1 but without the same recognition as Cadillac. The carmaker will be building the engines for Red Bull Racing starting in 2026. However, Ford will not have its own team. So, General Motors has kind of one-upped Ford in a way.
Not Everyone is Happy About GM’s Entry Into F1
As previously mentioned, GM’s initial bid to become an F1 team was rejected. There are a number of reasons for this. First, several people in the Formula 1 space thought that Andretti should buy an existing team rather than enter a brand new team. Up to 12 teams can be on the circuit at any given time, but new teams have to pay a steep entry fee. We’re talking to the tune of $200 million. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem warned that the fee might even be increased to $600 million. This fee is required to offset the losses in prize money, which is split based on performance among the teams at the end of the season.
Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner shared the FIA president’s thoughts, stating that Andretti buying an existing team would be the “natural solution.” Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff welcomes the new competition though. “If General Motors decides to come in as a team owner, that is a different story,” he said. “And as long as it is creative, that means we’re growing the popularity of the sport, we’re growing the revenue of the sport, then no team will be ever against it.”
A New Era in Formula 1
With three races in the United States now, and the popularity of the sport rising in the States, there really is no better time for General Motors to enter Formula 1. Long-time F1 commentator Martin Brundle said what many of us are thinking. “With my F1 fan and TV commentator hats on “I’m really pleased to see another team and two more drivers on the grid, and another manufacturer joining,” he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. And I think that most F1 fans are eager to see something new happen on the track in 2026 as well.