Luxury brand Cadillac enters F1 in 2026 with a massive investment, developing its own power units and signing seasoned stars like Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas.
During the late 2024 season, Cadillac was officially announced as the 11th team for the 2026 season. This was a huge milestone for motorsports, but also the American motorsport community. The decision was confirmed by the FIA and Formula One Management which marks for a major expansion and a significant investment.
Cadillac Formula One Team is a joint effort between General Motors and TWG Motorsport. General Motors intentions are more than just mere branding, GM plans to develop its own F1 Power units in the next coming years. Cadillac will lease Ferrari engines and gearboxes in the meantime as they develop their own units.
Cadillac has appointed Graeme Lowdon, a well known figure in motorsport, as team principal. He did the same in 2010 with Virgin Racing. The drivers announced to drive for Cadillac are familiar faces as well, Sergio Perez ,Valtteri Bottas and Colton Herta. Sergio Perez was last seen on the grid in 2024, driving for Red Bull Racing, next to Max Verstappen.
Veteran Drivers Will be in the Cockpit
Valtteri Bottas is currently the reserve driver for Mercedes, but was formerly a Kick Sauber driver in the 2024 F1 season. Colton Herta is an Indycar driver making his switch to Formula One as the reserve driver for Cadillac.
Three experienced drivers is just what Cadillac needs to really show the car's full potential. Graeme explains on the 'Beyond The Grid' F1 podcast that Bottas and Perez are the perfect drivers and how he really admires Colton Herta for swapping Indycar for a shot at Formula One.
2026 Season will See Additional Teams
The 2026 F1 season will definitely be one to look forward to, races will be much tighter now with 22 cars on the grid, especially with a track like Monaco that is already pretty tight for 20 cars. Another thing to consider is Qualifying, would it be better to add an extra minute or two to allow plenty of time for every driver to get their times in safely?
Cadillac’s entry marks more than just an additional name on the 2026 grid, it represents a bold commitment to shaping Formula One’s future. Cadillac’s debut comes at a time when Formula One itself is undergoing profound change.
New regulations, new technology, and a field growing to 22 cars promise to reshape race dynamics across the calendar. Tracks already known for their narrow confines will face fresh questions about space, strategy and especially safety.
Let us know your opinions on Formula One having 11 teams on the grid again!