Backed by GM, Cadillac F1 eyes the top with bold ambition, a growing team, and no fear of starting from scratch.
Cadillac F1 has no intention of settling for mid-field status when it joins the Formula 1 grid in 2026. That’s the clear message from team principal Graeme Lowdon, who says the American outfit’s ambitions are “truly unlimited.”
Lowdon, best known for his time with the Manor/Marussia team, is back in the F1 paddock as the head of Cadillac F1—born out of Andretti’s original bid, now fully backed by General Motors.
“We’re already over 300 people strong,” he told AFP. “And that’s before we even had an official entry. The team is growing every day.”
Building Cadillac F1 Culture
That figure already matches the staff numbers of Haas F1, the current benchmark for American teams in the sport.
Right now, the focus is all about building a high-performance team.
“We want this to be the best place to work in Formula 1,” Lowdon said. “We’re not just filling roles—we’re shaping a culture. That’s where success starts.”
While Cadillac F1 will be designing and building its very first Formula 1 car from scratch, Lowdon is aware of the mountain they’re climbing.
“Our competitors have built hundreds of F1 cars. We haven’t built one. So we’re not pretending we have the experience or data they do. That’s why we’re focusing everything on getting the right people first.”
As for expectations in their debut season? Lowdon is cautious.
“We haven’t set specific targets yet,” he explained. “Performance is hard to predict—it’s not just about us, it’s also about what the other teams bring to the table. The challenge we face is enormous, but we’ve got strong backing, and an incredible group of people. Our ambitions are limitless—but we also know Formula 1 is unforgiving. We’re here to give it everything.”
And what about drivers? Lowdon kept his cards close to the chest, but talent will come first—with a hint of national pride in the mix.
“We’re looking at a lot of drivers—really strong ones,” he said. “We’re going to pick the best talent available, based on merit. And yes, there are some fantastic American drivers out there.”
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Lowdon: Cadillac F1 Won’t Settle for Midfield
Lowdon: Cadillac F1 Won’t Settle for Midfield
