After a grueling 764-day saga filled with political intrigue, legal battles, and a relentless will to succeed, Cadillac is finally set to make its grand entrance into the world of Formula 1. The American automotive giant will join the grid as the 11th team in 2026, marking a historic moment for the sport and a testament to the unwavering determination of the Andretti-Cadillac partnership.

The journey to F1 was far from a smooth ride. For over two years, the team faced staunch opposition from existing F1 teams, who were reluctant to dilute their share of the prize money. But what truly turned the tide was the immense political pressure from the United States, a force that F1 and Liberty Media could no longer ignore.

The Political Power Play

Leading the charge was Congressman John James, who, alongside a bipartisan group of lawmakers, championed Andretti-Cadillac’s cause in the halls of Washington. They argued that denying entry to a major American manufacturer like General Motors was a violation of antitrust laws, a sentiment that resonated deeply within the US government.

The pressure campaign escalated to the point where the Justice Department launched an investigation into F1’s practices, a move that sent shockwaves through the sport. As Sahil Kapur, a senior national political reporter for NBC News, explained, this was a clear signal that the US government was taking the matter seriously. “The political pressure was crucial in overcoming the initial resistance to Andretti’s bid,” he noted, highlighting the pivotal role that American lawmakers played in paving the way for Cadillac’s entry.

A Revolutionary Team Structure

With the green light finally given, Cadillac is now wasting no time in building a team that can compete with the best in the world. But they’re not doing it the conventional way. In a bold and ambitious move, the team will operate across four different locations, a structure that Team Principal Graeme Loudon likens to the legendary Apollo program.

The team’s headquarters will be in Silverstone, UK, the heart of the F1 world. However, they will also have a major presence in Fishers, Indiana, where their state-of-the-art factory is being built. In addition, two of GM’s technical centers, in Warren, Michigan, and Charlotte, North Carolina, will play a crucial role in the team’s development and operations.

This decentralized approach is designed to leverage the best talent and resources from both sides of the Atlantic. “We’re embracing the challenge of a geographically spread team,” Loudon explained, emphasizing the importance of peer-to-peer communication to ensure seamless collaboration. “It’s a model that has been proven to work in other industries, and we’re confident that it will give us a competitive edge in F1.”

Setting Realistic Expectations

While the ambition is high, Cadillac is also realistic about the challenges that lie ahead. The team is starting from scratch, with no existing infrastructure or knowledge base to draw upon. As such, they are not expecting to be fighting for wins in their first season.

“Our goal for 2026 is respectable participation,” Loudon stated, acknowledging that it will take time to build a team that can challenge the established front-runners. However, he also sees the 2026 regulatory reset as a golden opportunity. “The fact that we haven’t had to build a 2025 car is a huge advantage,” he explained. “We can focus all of our resources on getting the 2026 car right.”

The Power Unit and Driver Dilemma

One of the biggest challenges for any new F1 team is the power unit. To address this, Cadillac has secured a deal with Ferrari to supply them with engines for the first few years. This will give them a competitive and reliable power unit while they work on developing their own GM-built engine, which is expected to come online around 2029.

When it comes to drivers, the team is taking a patient and measured approach. While there has been much speculation about an all-American driver lineup, Loudon has made it clear that merit will be the primary consideration. “We’re in a buyer’s market when it comes to drivers,” he said, noting that there are a number of experienced and talented drivers available.

Names like Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez have been mentioned as potential candidates, and their experience with established teams would be invaluable to a new outfit like Cadillac. Ultimately, the team will be looking for drivers who can not only deliver on the track but also contribute to the development of the car and the team as a whole.

A Bright Future Ahead

Despite the challenges, there is a palpable sense of excitement and optimism surrounding Cadillac’s F1 project. The team has already made significant progress, with a proof-of-concept chassis passing FIA crash tests and a full aerodynamic program underway. They are also simulating race weekends and have a growing team of dedicated professionals who are working tirelessly to bring the American dream to life.

By the time they hit the track in 2026, Cadillac aims to have a workforce of 600 people, a testament to the scale and seriousness of their F1 ambitions. The long-term goal is to become a fully-fledged American F1 team, one that can not only compete for wins but also win championships with the iconic GM branding.

Cadillac’s entry into F1 is more than just a new team on the grid; it’s a statement of intent. It’s a symbol of American ambition, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The road to F1 may have been long and arduous, but for Cadillac, the journey is just beginning. And the whole world will be watching to see what this American powerhouse can achieve.