Cadillac secures F1 entry for 2026, debuting as a team before transitioning to an engine supplier in the near future.
General Motors and Cadillac have won their battle against the FOM and the teams: it was anticipated, and it is now official—F1 has approved the entry of an 11th team into the championship under the GM/Cadillac banner.
The team will initially operate as a customer team before General Motors transitions into an engine supplier in F1 “at a later date.”
Greg Maffei, CEO of Liberty Media, feigned consistent support for the team’s entry; in truth, pressure from U.S. courts appears to have played a role after FOM’s initial rejection.
“With Formula 1’s continued growth in the United States, we have always believed that welcoming an impressive American brand like GM/Cadillac to the grid and GM as a future power unit supplier could bring added value and interest to the sport.
“We acknowledge the significant progress made by General Motors’ leadership and their partners in preparing for their entry into Formula 1. We are delighted to move forward with the application process for the GM/Cadillac team to join the championship in 2026.”
Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1, was more concise.
“General Motors and Cadillac’s commitment to this project is an important and positive demonstration of the evolution of our sport. We look forward to the progress and development of this application, confident of full collaboration and support from all involved parties.”
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who long championed General Motors as a counter to FOM’s initial resistance to Cadillac, welcomed the eventual resolution with satisfaction.
“General Motors is a global brand and a powerhouse in the automotive world, working with impressive partners. I fully support the efforts made by the FIA, Formula 1, GM, and the team to maintain dialogue and work towards securing a principled agreement to advance the application for a GM/Cadillac team to join the FIA Formula 1 World Championship grid in 2026. All parties, including the FIA, will continue working together to ensure the process runs smoothly.”
Mark Reuss, President of General Motors, is understandably delighted. But why is F1 so appealing to a major American manufacturer?
“As the pinnacle of motorsport, F1 demands innovation and excellence that push boundaries. It is an honor for General Motors and Cadillac to join the world’s premier racing series, and we are committed to competing with passion and integrity to elevate the sport for racing fans around the globe. This global stage allows us to showcase GM’s engineering expertise and technological leadership at an entirely new level.”
Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Global’s motorsport division, which has taken over Andretti’s operations, also commented:
“We are thrilled to partner with General Motors to bring a dynamic presence to Formula 1. Together, we are assembling a world-class team that will embody American innovation and deliver unforgettable moments for racing fans worldwide. We appreciate the support of the FIA and the FOM for our application and their recognition of the value we can bring to the championship.”
The Andretti name is not entirely erased.
GM/Cadillac will be the name of the team, despite the initial focus on the Andretti project. However, the Andretti family name, which had raised concerns for some—most notably Toto Wolff—will remain.
Cadillac has confirmed that Mario Andretti, the 1978 F1 World Champion, will serve on the team’s board of directors. Whether this will be a meaningful role or merely symbolic remains to be seen.
“My first love was Formula 1, and today, 70 years later, the F1 paddock remains my favorite place. I am absolutely thrilled by this announcement. To still be involved at this stage of my life, I have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.”
On the other hand, his son, Michael Andretti, will be entirely absent from the project—likely a necessary step for its approval.
Making the best of the situation, Michael Andretti, who had handed over Andretti Global’s operations to Dan Towriss, expressed his support.
“The Cadillac F1 Team is made up of a strong group of individuals who have worked tirelessly to build an American team.”
“I am very proud of the work they have done and congratulate everyone involved in this significant milestone. I’ll be cheering for you!”
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Cadillac Enters F1: Team in 2026, Engines to Follow Cadillac Enters F1: Team in 2026, Engines to Follow
