Cadillac F1 project clears final hurdle ahead of 2026 entry

Cadillac's F1 grand prix project has finally received the last seal of approval to enter the championship, starting from the 2026 season. 

An official statement read: "The FIA and Formula 1 can confirm that, following the completion of their respective sporting, technical and commercial assessments, the application by General Motors and TWG Motorsports to bring a Cadillac team to the FIA Formula One World Championship from 2026 has been approved."

Consent was granted to the General Motors-backed project last year after initial applicant Andretti was rejected on commercial grounds by FOM, although the door was left open if GM launched a bid. 

Michael Andretti stepped aside from the project, with Dan Towriss taking charge as F1 then endorsed Cadillac to enter as an 11th team from the 2026 season, when the new Concorde Agreement also comes into force. 

The team is set to become a Ferrari customer for its first two seasons whilst it prepares an in-house power unit from the 2028 season, with GM joining the likes of Honda and Audi in being enticed to F1 by the new 2026 power unit rules. 

Cadillac has previously announced that former Marussia boss Graeme Lowdon will serve as team principal, with former Renault engineer Nick Chester as technical director. 

Former Benetton, Renault, Williams and F1 technical chief Pat Symonds is also serving as an engineering consultant to the project, which has a base at Silverstone and recently applied to the North Carolina state government for a new engine facility near the powerhouse Hendrick Motorsports NASCAR Cup team.

Cadillac has yet to announce its driver line-up for 2026, although Colton Herta has been heavily linked with a move from IndyCar.

Herta still does not qualify for a super-licence, with 32 points to his name over the three years of 2022-2024, with 40 required.

Former Red Bull driver Sergio Perez, along with Valtteri Bottas, who has returned to Mercedes as a reserve this year following his release by Sauber, are other names in the frame.

F1 boss hails Cadillac confirmation

It means for the first time in a decade, the 2026 F1 grid will house 11 teams.

Expressing his delight that a commercial deal has finally been agreed for GM/Cadillac to enter F1, president and CEO Stefano Domenicali said: "As we said in November, the commitment by General Motors to bring a Cadillac team to Formula 1 was an important and positive demonstration of the evolution of our sport.

"I want to thank GM and TWG for their constructive engagement over many months and look forward to welcoming the team on the grid from 2026 for what will be another exciting year for Formula 1."

Who do you think Cadillac should sign as drivers for the 2026 season? Let us know by voting in the poll below and in the comments! We will choose the top two options from the votes cast to declare a result!