Ferrari reportedly secured a massive payout from Cadillac as Sergio Perez’s 2026 F1 project took shape behind the scenes.
Previously undisclosed details have emerged regarding the relationship between Cadillac and Ferrari, shedding new light on the true scale of the agreement surrounding Sergio Perez and the American manufacturer’s entry into Formula 1. What initially appeared to be a standard technical partnership now looks far more complex—and far more expensive—than many expected.
According to information shared by journalist Humberto Corradi, Cadillac has committed several million euros to Ferrari as part of its Formula 1 project. “Cadillac was born completely dependent on Ferrari,” Corradi explained, revealing just how central the Maranello-based team has been to the project from its earliest stages. Rather than building its foundation independently, Cadillac opted to lean heavily on Ferrari’s existing infrastructure and technology.
That dependency goes well beyond a simple engine supply deal. Ferrari’s involvement has shaped multiple technical areas of Cadillac’s program, allowing the new entrant to fast-track its preparation for Formula 1 but at a significant financial cost. The partnership reflects Cadillac’s determination to avoid the traditional struggles faced by new teams entering the grid.
The true cost of the Ferrari–Cadillac alliance
Corradi detailed the depth of the collaboration, stating that the suspension, gearbox, and power unit used by the American team will all come directly from Maranello. For its initial tests, Cadillac will reportedly run a Ferrari from the 2023 season, while additional engineers and technicians from the Italian Scuderia will be involved in consultancy roles throughout the early phases of the project.
That level of support, however, comes with a staggering price tag. “All of this comes at a very high cost,” Corradi revealed. “The engine, transmission, and related components are around 30 million euros. The 2023 Ferrari will cost an additional 15 million euros, aside from technical consultancy. For a three-year agreement, we are talking about 100 million euros in total.”
These figures provide crucial context for Cadillac’s aggressive approach and help explain why Sergio Perez’s signing is viewed as such a strategic move. With a proven race winner leading the project on track and Ferrari supplying critical hardware and knowledge behind the scenes, Cadillac is investing heavily to accelerate its competitiveness.
At the same time, the scale of the deal highlights the pressure surrounding the project. Spending close to 100 million euros before even racing places immediate expectations on performance and results. As Formula 1 approaches the 2026 regulation reset, the Ferrari–Cadillac alliance stands out as one of the most expensive and closely watched partnerships in the paddock.
