With two more seats available, drivers like Zhou and Magnussen express interest as Cadillac enters F1 in 2026, adding fresh competition.
GM/Cadillac is the official name of the 11th team to join F1 from 2026 – the result of a long-awaited, fully American partnership between General Motors, Cadillac, and Andretti, though the team name will eventually disappear. The team will become its own engine supplier starting in 2028.
Fernando Alonso may begin his final F1 season in 2026, as GM/Cadillac begins its first. Pat Symonds, Rob White, Nick Chester… GM/Cadillac has already hired many former Renault staff – engineers Alonso knows well.
Does the Aston Martin F1 driver see the American team being competitive from the first Grand Prix?
“11th team, 22 drivers… it’s not the first time we’ll have 22 on the grid. It’s a complex decision, I suppose, for the sport in general, but if they’ve reached this conclusion, it’s because it’s the best for everyone. I’ll always support any management decision that’s best.
“They have some people who were there in the Renault days, and certainly, they will have a huge contribution from the beginning of the project, with a lot of F1 and motorsport experience. So, yes, I wish them good luck. A new team never has an easy task, but I think they will be well-prepared, and they have the right people. So, yes, welcome.”
Is Pierre Gasly excited to see a new potential competitor in the midfield?
“It’s exciting. It will be the first time I race with 22 cars in F1. So, yes, more rivals, probably more action, more racing. It’s an exciting, thrilling time. And as Fernando said, this is a topic that has been around for a while. So, I’m sure if they’ve come to this conclusion, it means it’s the best thing for the sport. So, yes, I’m very excited.”
GM/Cadillac could be powered by Ferrari, but what stands out to Charles Leclerc is that young drivers might be given two additional opportunities to secure a seat.
“Yes, a very similar response,” Leclerc continues. “It will be the first time in my career that I’ll see 22 drivers on the grid, and it’s exciting. I also think there are a lot of young drivers waiting for a place in Formula 1, and this will obviously give more opportunities to very talented young drivers who dream of making it to F1. So, it’s a good thing, and yes, it’s cool to have two more cars on the grid.”
Could Zhou be a potential candidate for GM/Cadillac?
A driver soon to lose their seat could be tempted to submit their CV… though their nationality (Chinese) may complicate matters. This driver is Guanyu Zhou, who is expected to compete with Valtteri Bottas, who has also shown interest (read here).
Is he putting himself forward?
“It’s a very good thing for the sport in general because many people always talk about how there are probably not enough seats for people, for the young drivers available. It’s clear that we have many young drivers for next year. From my point of view, it’s a big opportunity and a great chance for next season that I don’t have a seat. So, I can probably think about what the future will hold and try to secure an opportunity there. I’m aware of that.”
“But everything was just announced this week. We still need a bit more detail on that. But for me, my priority is to try, as I’ve always said, to have another chance to get back on the grid. So, I don’t really know where I’ll be, but if there’s an opportunity, I will absolutely take it. Let’s see what the future holds.”
Even if he becomes a third driver in F1, perhaps at Ferrari, will the current Stake driver look to become a regular in another series? In IndyCar, in endurance racing?
“Actually, you know, next year, I’ve kind of decided not to race in another series, just because I feel like with all the doors that could open, not only next year but also the year after, I want to make sure there’s a chance for me, in case, to get back in a seat for a race. Or not… but I’ll be fully ready for that. So, it’s really important.”
“But you want to keep the racing momentum. But if you take a year off, I think everything will be fine. More than a year, you start losing that dynamic a bit. So for me, I’m just going to make sure that in the next chapter, I’m in a place where I’m really happy. Where I can have a chance to come back here on the grid – because I don’t think this year has shown all my potential yet. I want another chance if it comes up. That’s what we’ll see.”
Kevin Magnussen wouldn’t say no!
Kevin Magnussen, who lost his seat at Haas F1, is already eyeing Cadillac. However, his boss, Ayao Komatsu, has offered him a role to stay within the team.
“Ayao and I have discussed what we can do together,” the Dane said in Qatar.
“But there’s a new team coming in, and that changes the thinking.”
“I drove for the Cadillac factory team in IMSA in 2021, and I know the management very well. These people are involved in the F1 project.”
“I haven’t spoken to them yet, but I’ll obviously do so.”
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Cadillac Joins F1, Zhou and Magnussen Target New Seats
Cadillac Joins F1, Zhou and Magnussen Target New Seats