The 2016 season was the last time the grid hosted eleven teams. Ten years later, the grid will expand to eleven once more. After being rejected earlier in the year, General Motors has an ‘agreement in principle’ for Cadillac F1 to race in the 2026 season.
In January, it was announced that the Andretti-Cadillac bid to join F1 was rejected because the FOM didn’t feel the proposal added value to the championship. The teams also brought forward barriers, feeling they would lose revenue through the division of prize money. However, the stances have softened, and Cadillac and General Motors look set to join the sport.
Cadillac F1 finally makes it to the grid
Cadillac F1 will make its debut at the 2026 season opener. The team is negotiating to use the Ferrari engine for the first two years before General Motors supplies an engine, making it a works team. Negotiations took positive steps during the Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend, and the team will be ready for 2026.
Mark Reuss, President of General Motors, said: “As the pinnacle of motorsports, F1 demands boundary-pushing innovation and excellence. It’s an honour for General Motors and Cadillac to join the world’s premier racing series, and we’re committed to competing with passion and integrity to elevate the sport for race fans around the world.”
I feel very lucky that I’ve been able to stick around for this long and do what I love for so long. And the idea that the Cadillac F1 Team wants me around….I’ll help where I can, a non-executive role with the team, not involved in day-to-day operations (because I don’t want a…
— Mario Andretti (@MarioAndretti) November 25, 2024
The earlier application of Andretti-Cadillac F1 was rejected. However, 1978 world champion Mario Andretti, will serve as the team’s director. The American will not take in the general operations of the team but will look to offer his advice and expertise. This announcement is exciting for everyone involved as another team means more competition.
Who could Cadillac F1’s first driver pairing be?
There are many candidates for the team’s first driver pairing. If Cadillac decides to go down the experience route, multiple race winner Valtteri Bottas would be an ideal candidate. The Finnish drive is a free agent after being released by Kick Sauber. When asked if he would consider joining, he answered “Yes.”
Valtteri Bottas has ruled himself out of a drive at Red Bull, insisting there are people within the team who hold ill feelings towards him.
“I feel like there are some people at Red Bull who don’t really like me for some reason,” Bottas told media.
“I don’t think it’s an… pic.twitter.com/fgFmJn3xIH
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) November 25, 2024
Yuki Tsunoda could be another option. The Japanese racer is running out of patience to join Red Bull. Once Honda ends their partnership with Red Bull, he might not have a future with the team. This opportunity could be an exciting prospect for Tsunoda who might well soon look to move on.
If Cadillac wants an American in their car, they might look to Colton Herta. The 24-year-old already drives for Andretti Global in Indycar and has come off the back of a successful season, finishing the championship in second place.
Other Indycar options could be Alex Palou and Pato O’Ward. Alex won the championship three times in four years and has been linked to an F1 seat for many seasons. Pato has driven a few FP1 sessions for McLaren over the past couple of seasons and has participated in several McLaren development tests.
Who would be the best driver pairing? Leave your comments below.
