F1 and the FIA have formally approved Cadillac to join the Formula 1 grid for the 2026 season. This development follows an agreement ‘in principle’ revealed in late 2024, confirming that the American squad – which began life as a Michael Andretti entry over two years ago – will race in Formula 1 in 2026.
A statement released by the FIA and Formula 1 stated:
“The FIA Formula One Championship’s expansion to an 11th team in 2026 is a milestone. GM/Cadillac brings fresh energy, aligning with the new FIA 2026 regulations and ushering in an exciting era for the sport. The Cadillac Formula 1 Team’s presence in the paddock will inspire future competitors and fans. Their entry strengthens our mission to push motorsport’s boundaries at the highest level.”
The American luxury brand will represent General Motors in a joint venture with TWG Motorsports. General Motors committed to its partnership with the former Andretti squad and took over the venture in late 2024, ending a long stand-off between Liberty Media and Michael Andretti’s prospective entry.
Cadillac will race with a Ferrari customer power unit in 2026, having agreed a supply deal with the Italian manufacturer for its first seasons in the sport. The American manufacturer has also committed to becoming a full works team in the future.
In January 2025, TWG Motorsports, Cadillac’s racing partner, announced the formation of a new company – GM Performance Power Units LLC – to transform the Cadillac team from a Ferrari customer team into a full-works squad by 2030.
This commitment has transformed what had been a provisional agreement to enter Formula 1 into a formal one, meaning there will be two new cars on the grid next season.
From Andretti to Cadillac
The Cadillac F1 story traces back to February 2023, when the FIA launched an open call for potential new teams. This initial phase sought to identify serious contenders who could withstand rigorous financial and technical scrutiny—prerequisites for any organisation hoping to tackle the formidable challenge of Formula 1 competition.
Among numerous applicants, only the Michael Andretti-led bid successfully navigated the FIA’s comprehensive evaluation process. Their proposal gained credibility through a strategic alliance with General Motors, which would see Cadillac as the team’s brand identity.
Despite the FIA’s endorsement, the Andretti project hit a significant roadblock in January 2024. Formula 1’s commercial rights holder, Liberty Media, rejected the application, expressing doubts about both the team’s potential contribution to the sport and its competitive viability.
Undeterred by this significant obstacle, the Andretti organisation pressed forward with infrastructure development. They established operational bases near Silverstone in the United Kingdom and across multiple American locations including Fishers (Indiana), Charlotte (North Carolina), and Warren (Michigan). Simultaneously, they attracted top-tier talent to their roster, securing commitments from industry veterans like Graeme Lowdon and Pat Symonds.
Constant setbacks
The conflict escalated dramatically when Andretti took his grievances to the US Congress, triggering a Department of Justice antitrust investigation into Liberty Media and its CEO Greg Maffei’s actions.
A significant shift occurred in September 2024 when Michael Andretti vacated his position as CEO of Andretti Global. Around the same time, Maffei announced his intention to step down from Liberty Media at year’s end when his contract expired.
With Michael Andretti’s reduced involvement, General Motors assumed greater control of the project, transforming what began as an Andretti venture into a primarily GM-directed initiative under Towriss’s leadership.
By late 2024, several key developments facilitated a breakthrough: Michael Andretti’s step back from the F1 project, Maffei’s impending departure from Liberty Media, and GM’s unwavering commitment. These factors culminated in an “agreement in principle” for a GM/Cadillac entry in 2026—a complete rebranding that moved away from the Andretti name while maintaining the Ferrari engine supply arrangement.
In a nod to family legacy, Cadillac announced that Mario Andretti—Michael’s father and 1978 F1 World Champion—would serve as a team director.
The March 7th, 2025 formal approval represents the culmination of this lengthy process. Cadillac’s entry will expand the F1 grid to 22 cars across 11 teams, marking the first new constructor since Haas joined in 2016.
Feature Image Credit: Cadillac
