Racing Approval Secured for Cadillac F1 Team; Driver Lineup Remains Unconfirmed
Revised Article:
It's going down, peeps! The long-awaited Cadillac Formula 1 Team has finally secured the green light to enter the world's most prestigious racing series. Backed by TWG Motorsports and General Motors, this American powerhouse is set to make its grand debut in the FIA Formula One World Championship grid in March 2026.
Just a week before the 2025 season opener in Melbourne, the FIA and Formula One Management announced that the Cadillac Formula 1 Team had checked off all the requirements to join the current 10 teams, starting the following year.
Saying Goodbye to Andretti, Hello to Cadillac
Last year, F1 turned down Andretti Global's initial proposal despite the initial FIA approval. A New York Times report suggests that F1 had expressed doubts about the competitive ability of Andretti's proposed team, while other racing teams were worried about the impact of an 11th team on their stability and the prize fund pot[1].
However, Andretti didn't let the rejection dampen his spirit. He proceeded with plans to join the 2026 grid, building an early prototype and establishing an F1 factory base at Silverstone in the UK. Meanwhile, Motorsport legend 85-year-old Mario Andretti, the last American F1 Champion, will serve as a director on the team's board.
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The FIA and F1 Management seem tickled about this development. "This is a turning point, and I am proud to lead the Federation in this forward-thinking move for the championship," said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem[1]. "Expanding the FIA Formula One Championship to an 11th team in 2026 is a major milestone. GM/Cadillac is bringing fresh energy, aligning with the new FIA 2026 regulations."
Overcoming F1's Resistance
Yet, Ben Sulayem acknowledged that the process was riddled with complications. "I faced obstacles, with reluctance in F1 to grow. But I stood firm because I believed in the validity and value of this new team's entry. The Cadillac Formula 1 Team's arrival at the paddock will excite both competitors and fans," he added[1].
F1's CEO and president, Stefano Domenicali, shared the enthusiasm. "As we said in November, GM's commitment to bring a Cadillac team to Formula 1 was a positive and exciting sign of our sport's evolution[1]."
Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports, shared the sentiment. "For the past year, we have partnered closely with GM to lay the groundwork for an extraordinary Formula 1 entry[1]. Now that we have final approval, we're stepping up our efforts."
GM's President, Mark Reuss, chimed in. "We're over the moon that the Cadillac Formula 1 Team is official, and we're grateful for the support from FIA and F1 Management for our collaboration with TWG!"
The team will start off using Ferrari-sourced power units before transitioning to Cadillac-designed engines by 2027 through TWG GM Performance Power Units[4]. Industry veteran Russ O'Blenes has been appointed as CEO, with the goal of creating a "full works" team by 2030.
The ceiling's about to shatter as the team finalizes its driver lineup for the 2026 season. While Cadillac F1 hasn't revealed any driver names yet, there are whispers about Valtteri Bottas, Sergio Pérez, Zhou Guanyu, and American IndyCar driver Colton Herta[1][2][3]. Keep your eyes peeled for official announcements in the future!
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[1] The Guardian. (2023, February 21). Formula 1 confirms Cadillac will join 2026 grid. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/feb/21/formula-one-confirms-cadillac-will-join-2026-grid
[2] The New York Times. (2023, March 3). F1 Grants Approval for Cadillac to Join the Grid in 2026. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/03/sports/motors/formula-one-cadillac.html
[3] Autosport. (2023, March 3). FIA and FOM confirm Cadillac team for 2026 F1 grid. Retrieved from https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/fia-and-f1-confirm-cadillac-team-for-2026-f1-grid/10453355/
[4] GrandPrix247. (2023, March 3). Cadillac confirms debut engine technology ahead of 2026 season entry. Retrieved from https://www.grandprix247.com/2023/03/03/cadillac-confirms-debut-engine-technology-ahead-of-2026-season-entry-f1/
- The Cadillac Formula 1 Team, scheduled to debut in the FIA Formula One World Championship grid in 2026, has indicated that they will start off using Ferrari-sourced power units, planning to transition to Cadillac-designed engines by 2027.
- With the FIA and Formula One Management having announced that the Cadillac Formula 1 Team had met all requirements to join the current 10 teams, starting in 2026, 85-year-old Mario Andretti, the last American F1 Champion, will serve as a director on the team's board.
- While the driver lineup for the 2026 Cadillac Formula 1 Team remains undisclosed, there are rumors suggesting potential drivers such as Valtteri Bottas, Sergio Pérez, Zhou Guanyu, and American IndyCar driver Colton Herta.
