Cadillac Formally Approved to Join Formula 1 Grid in 2026

Cadillac has received formal approval to compete in the 2026 Formula 1 season, following an extended evaluation process by the FIA and Formula 1. The American brand, under the General Motors umbrella, will enter the championship through a joint venture with TWG Motorsports, having taken over the original Andretti-led application.

The approval follows an initial agreement ‘in principle’ announced in late 2024, which paved the way for General Motors’ full entry into Formula 1. Cadillac will initially participate as a customer team, securing a power unit supply from Ferrari for its debut seasons. However, the long-term objective is for Cadillac to transition into a full-work team by 2030.

TWG Motorsports, Cadillac’s technical partner, has established GM Performance Power Units LLC, a dedicated entity that develops proprietary power units for the team. This long-term commitment was key to securing official FIA and Formula 1 approval.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem described Cadillac’s entry as a milestone for the sport. “Today marks a transformative moment, and I am proud to lead the Federation in this progressive step for the championship,” he 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.”

Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports, also emphasized the scale of preparation leading up to this decision. “For the past years, we have worked hand in hand with GM to lay a robust foundation for an extraordinary F1 entry. Now, with 2026 in our sights after today’s final approval from the FIA and Formula 1, we’re accelerating our efforts—expanding our facilities, refining cutting-edge technologies, and continuing to assemble top-tier talent.”

The team has aggressively expanded its workforce, assembling over 300 personnel dedicated to aerodynamics, chassis and component development, software engineering, and vehicle dynamics simulation. Former Manor F1 boss Graeme Lowdon was appointed as team principal in late 2024, overseeing the project’s operational and technical growth.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the effort put in by the entire Cadillac Formula 1 team,” Lowdon said. “This announcement is the next step in getting on the grid and continues our efforts towards building a full-work team. Through the long and thorough application process, we have never lost pace in our planning or our belief in the mission. We can’t wait to go racing and give fans a new team to cheer for.”

The FIA first issued a call for expressions of interest for new F1 teams in February 2023. This process was designed to evaluate the financial, technical, and environmental sustainability of potential entrants. Several applications were submitted, but only Michael Andretti’s partnership with General Motors passed the FIA’s due diligence phase.

Following FIA approval, the proposed Andretti-Cadillac entry was subjected to a commercial assessment by Formula 1’s rights holders, Liberty Media. In January 2024, Formula 1 rejected Andretti’s bid, citing concerns over the team's potential value to the championship and its ability to compete effectively.

Despite the setback, the prospective team continued infrastructure development, expanding facilities near Silverstone in the UK and additional locations in Fishers (Indiana), Charlotte (North Carolina), and Warren (Michigan). Recruitment efforts also continued, with figures such as Graeme Lowdon and former Renault and Williams technical chief Pat Symonds joining the project.

By late 2024, General Motors took full control of the entry, rebranding it under the Cadillac name and finalising its Ferrari power unit supply. This decisive move led to a renewed evaluation by the FIA and Formula 1, culminating in the formal approval of Cadillac’s entry for the 2026 season.

With an 11th team now confirmed, Formula 1 will see grid expansion for the first time since the introduction of Haas in 2016. The development marks a significant step in the championship’s growth, with Cadillac’s entry expected to bring fresh competition and increased American engagement in the sport.

The team now shifts focus to finalising its operational structure, hiring additional staff, and advancing car development ahead of its 2026 debut.