Cadillac’s Bold Formula One Journey Gains Speed

Cadillac’s vision for Formula One is no longer just ambition, it’s in motion. At a star-studded event in Miami, TWG Motorsports CEO Dan Towriss took the stage in an all-white suit at the exclusive “Cadillac Club” celebration, marking the official entry of the Cadillac Formula One Team for the 2026 season. The event, complete with a performance by Janelle Monáe and appearances from stars like Terry Crews, reflected the brand’s bold intent to make a mark on the global motorsports stage.

What felt like a distant hope just a year ago has now become a reality. Thanks to General Motors’ deep motorsport heritage and strong support, Cadillac has earned its place on the F1 grid, overcoming the challenges that previously kept new teams out. The mood has shifted from resistance to welcome, as even rival teams’ personnel gathered to celebrate Cadillac’s arrival.

“The environment has changed. The past is the past—we’re now welcome on the grid,” said Towriss. “We appreciate that and are focused on building something special.”

That work is well underway. The team has already delivered its first chassis for 2026 homologation testing, a crucial step to ensure the car meets Formula One’s strict safety and design standards. Development is progressing on schedule, with a full chassis now allowing more advanced testing. While Cadillac will use Ferrari power units for its first three seasons, GM’s Performance Power Units LLC—approved by the FIA as a supplier for 2029 — signals a long-term plan for an all-American engine solution.

“We want to race a car built in America, powered by an American engine,” said team principal Graeme Lowdon. “It’ll take time, but that’s the goal—and we’re on the right path.”

Cadillac’s F1 effort is backed by a growing workforce. From an initial satellite base in Silverstone focused on aerodynamics, the team now boasts nearly 400 employees and expects to reach around 600 by 2026. New U.S. facilities are coming online, including an F1 headquarters in Fishers, Indiana, and a power unit facility in Concord, North Carolina—right in the heart of NASCAR country. These sites will not only serve engineering and manufacturing needs but could also become destinations for American F1 fans eager to connect with a homegrown team.

The global nature of F1 means Cadillac’s operations stretch beyond U.S. borders. The team uses Silverstone’s expertise for wind tunnel modeling and design, while planning for U.S.-based production to take the lead in the coming years. As Lowdon put it:

“We’re blending iconic American spirit with the best of global motorsport DNA.”

Looking ahead, Cadillac’s definition of success goes beyond the scoreboard. The team aims to make an impact on and off the track—building a strong fanbase, attracting key American sponsors, and standing out with a fresh, bold approach. While the driver lineup and commercial partnerships are still under wraps, interest from brands new to F1 has been strong, signaling Cadillac’s unique appeal.

“This is more than just joining the grid—we want to move Formula One forward in a bold, innovative way,” said Towriss. “We respect the challenge. We know it won’t be easy. But we’re ready.”

With less than a year until its debut race, Cadillac Formula One Team is racing toward the future—determined to write a new chapter in American motorsports history.

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