A significant turning point in the history of Formula 1 has been announced by US automotive behemoth General Motors (GM), which intends to compete in 2026. Under GM’s luxury Cadillac nameplate, the new team will be a collaborative effort with US organization TWG Global—. This project intends to increase Cadillac’s worldwide profile and support the fast-rising US interest in F1.
GM and TWG promised formally that they would eventually build their engine for the Cadillac squad, although “later.” The alliance marks a change in Cadillac’s original offer with Andretti, which Formula 1 turned down in January.
How has Formula One responded to General Motors' entry?
Formula 1 has welcomed GM’s arrival, with Liberty Media president and CEO Greg Maffei applauding the action.
“With Formula 1’s continuous growth plans in the US, we have always believed that welcoming an impressive US brand like GM/Cadillac to the grid and GM as a future power unit supplier could bring additional value and interest to the sport,” added Maffei.
He continued, “We credit General Motors and their partners with notable advancement in their Formula 1 entry readiness. Moving forward, the application procedure for the GM/Cadillac squad to enter the Championship in 2026 excites us.
How Does the FIA View This Development?
President of the FIA Mohammed Ben Sulayem reflected Maffei’s excitement and called GM a “huge global brand and powerhouse in the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) world.”
“I am totally supporting the efforts made by the FIA, Formula 1, GM, and the team to maintain dialogue and work towards this outcome of an agreement in principle to progress this application to bring a GM/Cadillac branded team onto the grid for the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship,” he said.
What financial ramifications follow from Cadillac's arrival?
GM and TWG will pay a $450 million anti-dilution fee to guarantee access, far more than the $200 million required by present F1 rules. The ten current teams will split this cost, which will pay for the lowered prize money.
Set to take effect in 2026, the more significant amount captures the continuous renegotiations of F1’s contracts between teams, the FIA, and Liberty Media. Under the new agreements, the charge should rise once more.
How will Cadillac close the gap till its engine is ready?
GM plans to develop its engine, but this won’t be available until 2028. Cadillac will have to buy engines from a current vendor in the interim. Ferrari is now the top rival as Sauber, its present customer, will have spare capacity once Audi’s official arrival in 2026 comes around.
Why Is This Entry Different from Cadillac's Previous Bid?
This development expands on the Andretti bid, which was turned down earlier this year and sponsored by Cadillac. Formula 1 decided the original idea lacked extra value. The updated bid is unique since it will see GM personally engaged as a club owner.
GM and TWG will form the new team, with Andretti Global owner Dan Towriss and TWG’s Mark Walter as leading investors. Michael Andretti, co-founder of Andretti Global, left the project in September and is not involved anymore.
Michael Andretti’s absence comes following criticism of his aggressive style during the first bid. But Mario Andretti, the 1978 Formula 1 World Champion, will be an adviser.
Mario Andretti will play what part in the Cadillac Team?
Mario Andretti shared his delight in a sincere post on social media platform X: “Feel lucky that I’ve been able to be around for this long and do what I love for so long. And the notion that the Cadillac F1 Team wants me around… I’ll help where I can, in a non-executive role with the team, not involved in daily operations (since I don’t want a job), but offer guidance, inspiration, companionship anyplace I can. I am lucky.
How does Cadillac's arrival mirror the increasing US impact on Formula One?
Cadillac joins Mercedes, Ferrari, Ford, Honda, and Audi to bring six manufacturers of F1 engines together. The new 2026 engine rules of the sport have drawn in Ford, Audi, and now GM newcomers as they significantly boost the hybrid system’s power output.
Originally intending to leave the sport, Honda changed its mind and struck an exclusive engine supply agreement with Aston Martin beginning in 2026. Alpine, owned by Renault, will also ditch its engine programme in favour of Mercedes power units.
In what ways are rivals responding to Cadillac's arrival?
CEO Zak Brown of McLaren Racing praised Cadillac’s arrival as increasing the competitiveness of the sport. “Exciting times ahead with news of Cadillac joining the Formula 1 grid as the 11th team in 2026,” he said.
“Their great background in automobile performance and innovation will surely give our excellent sport fresh perspective. We are excited about the rivalry!
Future Plans for Cadillac in Formula 1
Driven by events like the Miami and Las Vegas Grand Prix, Cadillac’s arrival underlines the increasing relevance of F1 in the United States. GM’s investment aims to bring fresh competitiveness and innovation to the sport with its cooperation with TWG and long-term vision for a custom engine.
All eyes will be on Cadillac preparing to square off on the most esteemed motorsport venue as 2026 draws near.
