Cadillac approved as 11th Formula 1 team for 2026

Cadillac has received final approval to join Formula 1 as the sport’s 11th team from the 2026 season, the FIA and F1 confirmed on Friday.

The US outfit, backed by TWG Motorsports and General Motors (GM), secured its place on the grid just over two months after reaching an agreement in principle with F1. The decision marks a significant turnaround after the sport previously rejected a bid from Andretti Global, which was linked to Cadillac. However, GM’s expanded commitment to the project helped sway both F1 and the FIA.

The team will initially use Ferrari engines before GM develops its own power unit for future seasons.

“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,” said Stefano Domenicali, F1 President and CEO. “I want to thank GM and TWG Motorsports for their constructive engagement over many months and look forward to welcoming the team on the grid from 2026.”

The project is a joint venture between GM and Dan Towriss, the owner of Andretti Global, but former F1 driver Michael Andretti will not be involved. His father, 1978 world champion Mario Andretti, will take on an advisory role.

Cadillac’s entry comes as F1 expands its presence in the United States, following the addition of races in Miami and Las Vegas.

(Source: AFP)