The initial ‘Andretti Cadillac’ proposal has now become a full-fledged GM entry, with Cadillac in charge and GM holding an ownership stake within the team. Michael Andretti, although his name has been removed from the branding, remains involved in the project as advisor.
The team has already invested in bases in both the US and the UK. Whilst the main headquarters will be based in Fishers, Indiana, there is also a facility set up near Silverstone, opened last year by Andretti Global. In addition, GM and TWG Global Motorsport Business are also constructing a power unit and gear box facility in Charlotte, North Carolina. In the meantime, however, Cadillac has secured a deal with Ferrari to use its next season engines.
Why is this entry coming now? F1 initially rejected the Andretti-GM bid as rival teams voiced concerns that Andretti’s arrival would dilute the prize funds and that the $200 million anti-dilution fee Andretti would have to pay on entry was too low to compensate the impact.
F1 is always interested in welcoming valuable new teams.
Nonetheless, F1 is always interested in welcoming valuable new teams, whether through technical partners expanding into team ownership or new manufacturers like GM entering. Now, with a proper engine plan, stronger commitment from better partners and ultimately, the removal of the Andretti name, the project gained more recognition and credibility. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali noted: '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.'
With Cadillac’s entrance, F1 sees its first new team since fellow Americans Haas in 2016. Preparations are in full swing for TWG Motorsport CEO Dan Towriss and team boss Graeme Lowdon, who brought Virgin Racing to F1 in 2010. The team has already recruited over 200 staff members, including former Renault specialists Nick Chester and Pat Symonds.
However, there’s still significant hiring to do as top teams usually operate with around 1,000 members. Cadillac is looking to bring in experienced professionals, which will then enable them to hire younger talents who are new to F1–exciting times for emerging engineers!
The most interesting positions to fill, of course, are the drivers. At this stage, though, this selection remains highly speculative. Both Andretti and Lowdon have expressed interest in American drivers, with Lowdon saying: 'For sure we’re going to hire drivers based on merit. But as such, we see no reason why we won’t have American drivers in time.'
One potential American candidate is Colton Herta, a standout IndyCar driver.
One potential American candidate is Colton Herta, a standout IndyCar driver. That said, he needs to secure some serious super licence points this next season to qualify for the position. Another possible American driver is Jack Crawford, currently excelling in F2.
The team may also look to employ at least one experienced F1 driver–Sergio Perez or Valtteri Bottas are potential options. Another interesting candidate could be Yuki Tsunoda as his future in Formula 1’s 2026 season is still uncertain.
Cadillac’s entry is not only a strong statement about the presence of American manufacturers within F1, but also causes growing excitement over further expansion of teams on the grid.