Cadillac is preparing to enter Formula 1 in 2026 with significant backing from General Motors and extensive infrastructure investment. The American manufacturer has been officially approved as the 11th grid team, arriving with a strategic approach differing markedly from typical new entries. While debut seasons traditionally pose considerable challenges, Cadillac’s comprehensive preparation suggests meaningful competitive positioning.
Cadillac’s Preparation Behind the Scenes for 2026 Formula 1
Cadillac established primary operations in Fishers, Indiana, with a $200 million headquarters spanning 400,000 square feet. This facility serves as a manufacturing hub as well as a racing operations base, providing integrated infrastructure typically absent from startup teams. Since receiving FIA approval in March 2025, the organization has expanded from 300 last year to over 420 staff members.
Graeme Lowdon, former Marussia Team Principal, leads the project with direct F1 team management experience. Pat Symonds serves as executive engineering consultant, bringing unparalleled credentials from his tenure as Chief Technical Officer for Formula 1 Management.
Symonds previously led engineering departments at championship-winning teams, including Williams and Renault. His involvement ensures the team benefits from someone navigating F1’s highest competitive levels.
Driver selection underscores a serious competitive approach. Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas represent experienced championship contenders, boasting a combined 500 Grand Prix starts and 16 race victories. Bottas brings 10 wins and Mercedes’ reserve driver experience, providing current technical knowledge from championship teams. Perez completed 281 Grand Prix races with six victories.
Cadillac’s development strategy reflects a sophisticated understanding of F1’s competitive demands. Unlike established teams balancing current performance with future development, Cadillac dedicates all engineering and manufacturing resources exclusively to 2026. This undivided focus gives them an advantage during critical development phases when fundamental design choices determine long-term competitive potential.
The team completed chassis design ahead of schedule, with their early work helping gain a better understanding of F1’s technical regulations. Cadillac constructed and tested a prototype chassis, gathering real-world data informing ongoing aerodynamic refinement and structural optimization.
Symonds confirmed aerodynamic targets are set significantly above FIA performance predictions, with aggressive development pursued in floor design, bodywork efficiency, and wing performance. Wind tunnel testing commenced with prototype components, allowing iterative refinement based on measured results.
The engine partnership with Ferrari supplies proven power unit technology for the first three seasons, acknowledging that developing competitive engines from scratch introduces unacceptable reliability risks.
General Motors will develop its own power unit for 2029, providing long-term independence. The team secured Peter Crolla, veteran Haas team manager, bringing operational expertise typically requiring years to develop internally.