Major Cadillac advantage identified ahead of F1 debut

1978 F1 champion Mario Andretti has detailed a key advantage held by Cadillac ahead of its entry to the grid next year.

The General Motors-led project has been in the works for some time and was originally led by Mario's son Michael.

However, GM has been spearheading the plans over the last several months and is set to enter the Cadillac division as an 11th team in 2026.

The team's initial bid under Andretti's leadership was denied by F1, however, the project continued to receive heavy investment as it pushed ahead with its plans throughout 2024.

The FIA has confirmed that Andretti's costs this year will fall under the budget cap all existing teams are bound by - however, any expenditure prior to 2025 will not be considered. 

“We benefit from the fact that we have been able to prepare a lot,” Andretti confirmed to Auto Motor und Sport. 

“We have not yet fallen under the wind tunnel and budget cap regulations.”

Cadillac see chance for instant F1 impression

Cadillac's entry to the grid falls in line with new technical regulations that will be introduced next year.

Fresh chassis and power unit regulations will come into play, creating the potential for a shake-up to occur in the pecking order.

With all teams resorting to a blank drawing board this year for the new cars, Andretti sees it as a benefit for the Cadillac outfit.

“The new regulations force everyone to start from scratch - that will help us,” he said. 

“It would have been harder if we had started at a time when the rules had already been stable for three to four years.

“Starting in 2026 gives us a better chance to start on a reasonable basis.”