Cadillac's preparations for its much-anticipated F1 debut in 2026 have taken another significant step forward, with Öhlins confirmed as the supplier of bespoke dampers for the new American team.
The Swedish suspension specialist, which became part of the Brembo Group in 2025, will provide customised front and rear dampers for Cadillac’s inaugural F1 car, a "key milestone" and important development for the company's motorsport strategy.
The partnership underpins Brembo's already considerable footprint in F1, with the group supplying all 11 teams on the grid with brake calipers and many with additional solutions such as carbon pads and discs, brake pumps, brake-by-wire systems, AP Racing clutches and Öhlins dampers. Several of these technologies will also feature on the Cadillac car.
The collaboration between Cadillac and Öhlins has been in place since the earliest concept stages of the car, with development stretching back several years.
Initial front and rear damper prototypes were produced in 2024, followed by extensive testing and refinement through a series of pre-production units.
Nick Chester, chief technical director of the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, highlighted the importance of the partnership from the outset of the project.
"We have collaborated with Öhlins from the beginning of our concept work on the first Cadillac Formula 1 Team car.
"The performance and quality of the Öhlins dampers is excellent, and we are looking forward to racing and developing together."
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An 'important opportunity'
Öhlins' race-proven damping technology has been tailored specifically to Cadillac's chassis and aerodynamic concept, with the aim of delivering a stable yet responsive platform under the extreme demands of F1.
According to the company, the dampers are designed to help the car sustain high speeds while maintaining grip and control, a critical requirement under the current technical regulations.
Further testing is scheduled ahead of the opening round of the 2026 season in Melbourne, with the final phase of development focused on fine-tuning the dampers to ensure safety, reliability and peak performance for Cadillac's first appearance on the F1 grid.
For Öhlins, the deal represents a major milestone, particularly as the company approaches its 50th anniversary.
Claes Hesling, auto racing director at Öhlins Group, said: "It is an honour to be entrusted with the dampers for Cadillac Formula 1 Team's first car.
"This collaboration has been an important opportunity for our two organisations – both with strong motorsport legacies – to join forces and further innovation in racing and automotive performance.
"This moment has been years in the making, and we look forward to seeing Cadillac Formula 1 Team take their place on the grid next month."
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