Formula 1 is making waves again, and this time it’s with an announcement that could reshape the sport’s landscape. General Motors (GM) and Cadillac are gearing up to become the 11th team on the grid starting in 2026, following an agreement in principle with Formula 1. This decision has been met with both excitement and anticipation, as Cadillac sets its sights on bringing an iconic American flair to the world’s most prestigious motorsport.
A Game-Changing Collaboration
Formula 1’s dialogue with GM, alongside its partners at TWG Global, has been in the works since early 2024. After a commercial assessment and months of planning, both parties are on track to introduce a fresh competitor to the grid. GM’s Cadillac brand, known for its legacy of innovation and performance, will headline this ambitious project. As part of the plan, GM aims to enter as an engine supplier later down the line, further solidifying its commitment to Formula 1.
This partnership comes at a time when Formula 1 is expanding its reach globally, especially in the United States. With record-breaking attendance at the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix and growing American viewership, the timing couldn’t be more strategic for GM and Cadillac to enter the sport.
The Road to 2026: Cadillac’s Preparation
Over the course of 2024, GM and its partners have achieved significant operational milestones, ensuring a smooth path toward their Formula 1 debut. Cadillac’s entry aligns with Formula 1’s evolving regulations for 2026, which focus on increased sustainability through advanced power unit technologies and carbon-neutral goals. These regulations emphasize hybrid engines and sustainable fuels—areas where GM’s technological prowess could shine.
What’s noteworthy is GM’s ability to adapt to Formula 1’s rigorous standards. As an engine supplier, GM will eventually join the ranks of other powerhouses such as Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull Powertrains. This step signifies the company’s ambition to not only compete but excel at the highest level of motorsport.
Expanding the Formula 1 Grid: Why It Matters
Adding a new team is no small feat in Formula 1. The current 10 teams operate under a tightly controlled ecosystem, balancing competitiveness, costs, and commercial value. Cadillac’s inclusion would mark the first time since 2016 that the grid expanded, signalling a broader effort by Formula 1 to innovate and grow.
An 11th team brings added competition, which is a win for fans and the sport. For Cadillac, it’s an opportunity to showcase American engineering on the global stage, a move that could mirror the success of the Haas F1 Team, the last American team to enter the grid. With Formula 1’s soaring popularity in the United States, Cadillac could quickly become a fan favourite.
What’s Next?
While this agreement is still in its preliminary stages, it’s clear that Cadillac and GM are fully committed to making their Formula 1 debut memorable. The team’s branding, operational milestones, and technical capabilities will be under intense scrutiny as 2026 approaches. Formula 1, for its part, has expressed confidence in GM’s ability to meet its expectations, promising updates as progress continues.
For fans, this announcement signals more than just another team on the grid. It’s a bold step forward in Formula 1’s mission to remain a global leader in motorsport innovation while embracing its growing American fan base. Cadillac’s entry promises a fresh dynamic, new rivalries, and, most importantly, an exciting future for the sport.
