The F1 grid will welcome newcomers Cadillac to the sport for the 2026 season, the first new entry since Haas in 2016. The FIA and F1 management confirmed Cadillac had met all requirements to become the eleventh team, meaning they are good to go racing from next season.
However, despite this good news, Cadillac faces many challenges before participating in its first race. Although it still has a full year to prepare for its debut, the team still has much work to do.
Cadillac must now adhere to development regulations
Before their entry to F1 was confirmed, Cadillac was able to pump in as much development in the wind tunnel and CFD as possible. However, now that it has been confirmed, they must stick to the development regulations. This means they won’t be able to do unlimited testing.
Cadillac will be treated as if they finished equal last with Sauber, meaning they will get 115% of the baseline amount. This is still more than all teams barring Sauber. But it means they will now have restrictions on their testing for the first time. Cadillac will now also have to remain within the budget cap. Before, the team could throw as much money as possible at the car.
However, the new boys have an advantage over the rest of the grid. While all the teams are battling out the 2025 season, Cadillac can focus solely on the 2026 car. They also have a deal in place with Ferrari, who are supplying the American team with powertrains, gearboxes. The American team are also looking to strike a deal with the Scuderia for rear suspensions, meaning Cadillac won’t have to focus on these aspects.
Cadillac needs to recruit
Cadillac need more bodies to help make the team successful. As they ramp up their preparations for next season, the squad is short with around 280 personnel in their team. Most F1 teams have around a thousand staff to make the team successful. Cadillac needs to hire the right people in the right areas. This could prove a struggle, as will anyone want to leave an established team for one yet to compete in a race?
Two key roles in the team, which are yet to be filled, are the drivers. With entry confirmed, the American team can look to hire. There has been reportedly a lot of interest in the two vacant seats. With most seats already secured for the 2026 season, Cadillac might be the best option for most drivers.
Who they pick could be vital for their position in the constructors’ championship and prize money. They could choose a driver with vast F1 experience, like Sergio Perez or Valtteri Bottas. Or they may look for a more youthful driver like Theo Pourchaire who has bags of potential. They will likely go for an American driver, with Coulton Hertha as the top candidate from the US.
There is still a lot of work for the team to complete before hitting the grid in 2026. They need to hit the ground running, which will help them attract top personnel to progress through the field. But now with money and development restrictions, and a small team, can the new kids on the block start strong in 2026?
