The Andretti bid that started it all
The story of Cadillac in F1 begins with Andretti Global. In 2023, Michael Andretti and General Motors announced their intention to enter Formula 1 as a works team, powered by a GM-built power unit. The bid was backed by one of the most famous names in American motorsport and one of the largest automotive companies in the world.
The FIA approved the bid. But Formula 1's commercial rights holder, Liberty Media, did not. They rejected the application, citing concerns about the value Andretti would bring to the sport. The decision was controversial and widely criticized, particularly in the United States.
How GM got in anyway
General Motors did not give up. Instead of partnering with Andretti, GM pursued its own entry, leveraging its existing relationship with the FIA and its commitment to the 2026 power unit regulations. In 2024, the FIA confirmed that GM had been accepted as the 11th team on the grid, set to debut in 2026.
The team would race under the Cadillac name — one of GM's most iconic brands — and would be based in the United States, with technical operations potentially split between the US and Europe.
The driver lineup
For its debut season, Cadillac signed Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas — two experienced drivers who brought both speed and commercial value. Perez, a multiple race winner with Red Bull, brought Mexican market appeal and proven racecraft. Bottas, a veteran of over 200 Grands Prix with Mercedes and Alfa Romeo, brought technical feedback and stability.
The pairing was pragmatic. Cadillac needed experienced hands to develop a new car and a new team culture. Neither driver was expected to fight for wins in the first year, but both were expected to deliver points and help the team establish itself.
What Cadillac means for F1
Cadillac's entry is significant for several reasons. It is the first new American-owned team in F1's modern era. It is the first team to enter under the 2026 regulations, meaning it is building its car from scratch alongside the biggest regulation reset in a decade. And it is a statement that F1's American expansion is not just about adding races — it is about adding teams.
In a sport that has historically been European-centric, Cadillac's presence on the grid signals a new chapter. Whether the team can compete with the established names remains to be seen. But its mere existence is a victory for the globalization of Formula 1.