Cadillac Debuts New American F1 Team at Australian Grand Prix

The long-shot dream of an American team in Formula 1 becomes reality as Cadillac joins the grid.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 2:35pm

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Cadillac has brought a new American team to the Formula 1 grid as the 2026 season opens in Australia. The team, called Cadillac F1, is led by a group of American sports team owners including Mark Walter and Dan Towriss, along with General Motors. After nearly five years of work and overcoming numerous obstacles, the team will make its debut at the Australian Grand Prix this weekend.

Why it matters

The entry of Cadillac, an iconic American automotive brand, marks the first new team to join Formula 1 in a decade. It represents a major push by the United States to have a stronger presence in the world's premier motorsport series, which has historically been dominated by European teams and manufacturers.

The details

Cadillac F1 has hired Sergio 'Checo' Perez of Mexico and Valtteri Bottas as its driver lineup. The team's first car will be called the MAC-26, honoring 1978 F1 champion Mario Andretti. While the team is not expected to be competitive right away, as it is leasing a Ferrari engine for the first two seasons, the long-term goal is to build Cadillac into a winning F1 program.

  • Cadillac F1 had its initial shakedown at Silverstone in January 2026.
  • The team participated in F1's official preseason testing in Barcelona and Bahrain.
  • The Australian Grand Prix, where Cadillac F1 will make its debut, is scheduled for March 16, 2026.

The players

Mark Walter

The controlling owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, a major stakeholder in the Los Angeles Lakers, and owner of the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks, a stake in Chelsea F.C., the Professional Women's Hockey League and the Billie Jean King Cup.

Dan Towriss

The founder and CEO of financial services company Group 1001, who also owns Andretti Global in IndyCar, Spire Motorsports in NASCAR, and Wayne Taylor Racing in IMSA.

General Motors

The American automotive manufacturer that is partnering with the Cadillac F1 team.

Sergio 'Checo' Perez

The Mexican driver who has been hired by Cadillac F1 as one of its two veteran drivers.

Valtteri Bottas

The Finnish driver who has been hired by Cadillac F1 as one of its two veteran drivers.

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What they’re saying

“The historic debut of the Cadillac Formula 1 team in Australia is the realization of a vision that has driven so many of us at General Motors, and a moment of tremendous pride for everyone who has worked tirelessly to make it happen.”

— Mark Reuss, President, General Motors

“There's definitely a national pride element to Cadillac. It feels like the right place at the right time, where Formula 1 is globally, where Cadillac is as a brand, and where the U.S. is on the world sporting stage.”

— Dan Towriss, Founder and CEO, Group 1001

What’s next

If former IndyCar driver Colton Herta has a successful season racing in F2, he could soon be the first American driver in F1 since Logan Sargeant flamed out in 2023.

The takeaway

The entry of Cadillac, an iconic American brand, into Formula 1 represents a major milestone for U.S. motorsports. While the team may struggle initially, the long-term goal is to build Cadillac into a competitive F1 program and raise the profile of American involvement in the sport.