Cadillac Joins Formula 1 Grid for 2026 Season

American automaker partners with Ferrari for power units as part of major F1 expansion.

Mar. 4, 2026 at 10:40am

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The 2026 Formula 1 season will see the arrival of a new team, Cadillac, backed by General Motors and TWG Motorsports. This marks a significant shift in the sport, with the American automaker joining the grid alongside Audi's entry. Cadillac's partnership with Ferrari for power units and gearboxes will allow them to bypass the extensive development required to build an F1 power unit from scratch. The team's driver line-up features experienced racers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, along with reserve driver Zhou Guanyu, blending seasoned talent with promising young prospects.

Why it matters

Cadillac's entry into Formula 1 signals a deepening of American investment and interest in the sport. The US has seen a surge in F1 popularity in recent years, with the addition of the Miami Grand Prix and the continued success of the United States Grand Prix in Austin. Cadillac's presence is likely to further fuel this growth, tapping into a massive new market. Additionally, the arrival of new teams like Cadillac and Audi has the potential to disrupt the established order, injecting fresh competition and innovation into the sport.

The details

Cadillac's Formula 1 team will be headquartered in Fishers, Indiana, USA, but will also have operations in key motorsport hubs like the UK and Italy. This global footprint allows the team to leverage expertise and infrastructure across different regions, optimizing efficiency and reducing costs. The team's partnership with Ferrari for power units and gearboxes is a crucial element of their entry, as it bypasses the significant investment and development time required to build an F1 power unit from scratch. Cadillac's driver line-up features experienced racers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, along with reserve driver Zhou Guanyu, blending seasoned talent with promising young prospects.

  • Cadillac's entry into Formula 1 will coincide with the 2026 season.
  • The 2026 season will also see a significant overhaul of Formula 1's technical regulations, designed to promote closer racing, reduce aerodynamic dependence, and encourage more sustainable power unit technology.

The players

Cadillac

An American luxury automotive brand and a division of General Motors. Cadillac is entering Formula 1 in 2026 as a new team, backed by GM and TWG Motorsports.

Sergio Perez

A Mexican racing driver who will be one of the race drivers for the Cadillac Formula 1 Team in 2026.

Valtteri Bottas

A Finnish racing driver who will be the other race driver for the Cadillac Formula 1 Team in 2026.

Zhou Guanyu

A Chinese racing driver who will be the reserve driver for the Cadillac Formula 1 Team in 2026.

Ferrari

An Italian luxury sports car manufacturer and racing team. Cadillac has partnered with Ferrari for power units and gearboxes for their Formula 1 entry.

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What they’re saying

“Cadillac's entry into Formula 1 is a significant milestone for the sport, as it signals a deepening of American investment and interest.”

— Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1 CEO

“We're excited to partner with Ferrari and leverage their expertise in power unit technology as we embark on this new chapter for Cadillac in Formula 1.”

— Mark Reuss, President of General Motors

What’s next

Cadillac will continue to develop their Formula 1 car and finalize their driver line-up ahead of the 2026 season. The team's progress and performance will be closely watched as they aim to make a strong debut in the sport.

The takeaway

Cadillac's entry into Formula 1 is a testament to the growing popularity of the sport in the United States and the potential for new teams to disrupt the established order. The partnership with Ferrari and the experienced driver line-up suggest Cadillac is poised to make an immediate impact on the grid.