The paddock embraces GM’s arrival as Cadillac, with a record anti-dilution fee and the promise of fresh competition and investment.
The honeymoon phase between Cadillac and the Formula 1 paddock has officially begun — and let’s just say, money talks.
Starting next season, Formula 1 will welcome an 11th team to the grid: Cadillac, backed by the might of General Motors. Initially powered by Ferrari engines, Cadillac will eventually transition to its own GM-developed power units. But it’s not just the promise of innovation and star-spangled horsepower that’s getting attention — it’s also the sizable check Cadillac is bringing to the table.
Under the new Concorde Agreement, GM is expected to pay over $400 million in anti-dilution fees to the 10 existing teams. That’s double the previous entry cost — a number that’s made team bosses sit up and smile.
Each team stands to pocket nearly $40 million. No surprise then, the mood has shifted.
Red Bull’s Christian Horner put it plainly:
“GM is a huge name. If it had been anyone else, we might have had more resistance. But GM vs. Ford? That’s a rivalry worth watching. And let’s be honest — we all got an early Christmas bonus thanks to their entry. It helps soften the blow of slicing the pie 11 ways.”
He also pointed out the broader significance:
“It’s a sign of how far F1 has come. Five or six years ago, the idea of GM and Ford joining the grid would’ve seemed impossible. Now, it shows the global pull and commercial strength of the sport.”
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown echoed the sentiment:
“Fans love fresh stories — new teams, new engines, new drivers. It adds excitement. Economically, it works. And while GM will soon realize just how tough F1 is, their entry is great for the sport.”
Brown also credited Liberty Media and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali for the transformation of the sport’s landscape:
“Just five years ago, we were fighting to keep teams in the sport. Now? Everyone wants in. That says a lot about F1’s health and the amazing job Liberty and Stefano have done.”
Even for teams like Alpine, who may now find it harder to score points, there’s optimism.
Oliver Oakes welcomed the move:
“Cadillac is a legendary name. Their entry, alongside the 2026 regulation changes, adds another exciting chapter. And yes, I’m sure a few CFOs are looking at their balance sheets a bit more cheerfully today. Everything looks good from where we stand.”
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Cadillac Joins F1 Grid with $400M Gift and Big Dreams
Cadillac Joins F1 Grid with $400M Gift and Big Dreams
