GM Cadillac is slated to be one of the biggest additions to Formula 1 in recent years. Since 2012, Formula 1 has been home to 10 teams with 2 cars each on the grid; however, this is set to change with Cadillac’s entry into the sport as the 11th team.
GM fought a long battle in its bid to enter the sport and has been given the greenlight for entry in 2026, with the new regulation changes. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has also indicated a confirmation of Cadillac’s place on the grid.
Stefano Domenicali assures Cadillac’s entry into F1 is near
With the season opener fast approaching, Stefano Domenicali has indicated that the grid will expand next season, making the competition more fierce.
“There is the formality that is related to the process that [is] almost ready. Together with the FIA there has to be an update and whenever this will be ready, it should be not too long, there will be an update to formalise what basically has already happened. So they will be ready to fight against or together with the other teams for next year.” said Domenicali.
It is worth noting that it was Andretti who originally applied to be in F1 over two years ago; however, his bid was rejected by FOM multiple times before he got backed by Cadillac.
🚨 BREAKING: Formula 1 looks set to approve GM’s proposed 2026 entry bid early as next week.
The team will reportedly be called Cadillac F1 and will be powered by Ferrari engines when it enters the sport in 2026.
General Motors is expected to complete its own Cadillac power… pic.twitter.com/e57fTCeEJ3
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) November 23, 2024
Domenicali has also backed Cadillac’s entry due to the value and the technological expertise they bring as a team. F1 will hope to exchange valuable information with Cadillac in regards to the performance of the cars.
“GM want to be a real constructor or a manufacturer that will invest in our sport because they do believe in the technological platform that the F1 can provide to their system,” he added. “So I’m very, very happy that now this is on board, moving forward, and looking forward to see them on the track together with the other teams to fight for a great championship.”
The biggest factor is the American audience that the new team will bring. While F1 is not unpopular in the USA, bringing Cadillac can only improve their current standing as a sport in the country. Bringing even more audience is better for F1’s revenue. An increase in revenue will make the prize pool bigger, allowing even more flexibility to Cadillac’s entry.
Cadillac F1’s potential driver lineup
Cadillac will not only need a new car but an entire two-driver lineup if it wants to get started in F1. With the driver market more volatile than ever, the American team has several options for its 2026 lineup.
There are several names that Cadillac can consider starting with ex-Red Bull driver and Grand Prix winner, Sergio Perez. The Mexican driver was let go from the Championship winning team in favor of Liam Lawson after the 2024 season. He is currently a free agent and Cadillac can look him up if they need an experienced driver in the lineup.
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Sergio Perez is ‘eyeing’ a return to formula one in 2026 with Cadillac!🇲🇽Checo is pursuing a Le Mans seat in 2025 then sets his full focus on F1 in 26’.🏎️
It’s believed that Cadillac would be interested in Perez alongside an American driver!🇺🇸
Read more⬇️#CadillacF1… pic.twitter.com/LPORSchi6F
— Cadillac F1 Team News (@CadillacF1_) March 2, 2025
Several drivers are currently signed on as reserve drivers that deserve a full-time position in the grid. Some of these drivers are extremely high profile like Valtteri Bottas and Franco Colapinto. Other drivers include ex-Sauber driver Zhou Guanyu, Felipe Drugovich, WEC winner Antonio Giovinazzi. Mick Schumacher is also a great option having driven and carrying the Schumacher Legacy with him.
However, if Cadillac wishes to go for an American driver to represent them, their only options would be Logan Sargeant, who was let go by Williams in 2024, or picking a driver from other motorsport disciplines like NASCAR or IndyCar.
Cadillac’s entry to the sport marks a second turning point to the high-octane competition, paired with the new engine regulations of 2026. No matter what it turns out to be, fans are in for a season of great competition and uncertainty next year.
