Pat Symonds begins his Cadillac F1 role, tackling a 400-day countdown to prepare the team for the 2026 Formula 1 season.
With the opportunity to work on the cars for 2026, the Cadillac F1 project can officially launch as it prepares for its debut in the Formula 1 World Championship in 2026. Alongside the start of this new team, the appointment of Pat Symonds as Executive Engineering Consultant has also been confirmed.
“I am delighted to announce that, as of January 1st, I have officially taken up my new role with Cadillac as we build our team to compete in the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship,” wrote Symonds.
“This is an exciting challenge, as if the 2026 pre-season testing follows the 2014 model, we have less than 400 days until the car runs. General Motors has a long tradition in motorsport, and I remember as a young boy watching the Chaparral 2F win the BOAC 500 at Brands Hatch.”
“Jim Hall, the man behind the Chaparral, always acknowledged GM’s contribution to that program. More recently, through its Chevrolet and Cadillac brands, GM has been competitive in sports car racing and has served as an engine supplier for IndyCar. From Le Mans to Talladega, from sports cars to stock cars, they know how to win.”
“At the same time, as the pinnacle of motorsport, they fully respect the innovation and excellence required in Formula 1 and understand what it will take to build the team to replicate their success in other series. Our first Formula 1 car will use a Ferrari engine and transmission while we await the development of the all-new Cadillac engine.”
“Building a Formula 1 car is a challenging yet well-documented task. The timelines and milestones are clearly established, and the team already includes a significant number of experienced individuals who have been designing and developing the car for some time.”
“Alongside them, others have implemented the necessary processes to ensure we can meet the tight deadlines and the unwavering quality demanded by Formula 1. Simultaneously, we are establishing the required infrastructure at our Silverstone base to rise to the challenge.”
“Starting from a blank sheet, as the saying goes, offers far more opportunities than challenges. The team will be built not only around the highest engineering standards but also the highest ESG standards, striving to become the best team to work for in Formula 1.”
Nikolas Tombazis, who collaborated with Symonds at the FIA to develop F1’s technical regulations, praised the engineer’s work: “Regarding the relationship with the FOM, yes, Pat played a very important role. We worked closely together.”
“I wish him the best of luck in his new endeavors. Our relationship with the FOM has never been stronger, and we engage very closely on these matters. Naturally, this adds a bit more responsibility for us at the FIA, but I believe it is under control.”
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Symonds Joins Cadillac F1: Racing Against 400-Day Countdown Symonds Joins Cadillac F1: Racing Against 400-Day Countdown
