Cadillac gets green light for Formula 1 entry

An agreement in principle has been reached with the American car manufacturer for a start in the racing series from the season after next, the owners of Formula 1 announced. Cadillac will initially be involved with its own racing team from 2026, with General Motors also building engines for Formula 1 at a later date.

At the beginning of the year, the FIA had already spoken out in favor of the US project, which was initially led by ex-racing driver Michael Andretti. However, the current ten Formula 1 racing teams had long been fiercely opposed to another participant and did not want to share the revenue. As a result, the top management of Formula 1 initially opposed Andretti's plans to join the team.

Engines from Ferrari?

However, now that General Motors has increased its interest and a new majority owner is behind the project, the Formula 1 management gave the green light after further discussions. For the hoped-for growth on the American market, the involvement of the car manufacturer would bring "additional value and interest in our sport", said Greg Maffei, head of Formula 1 owner Liberty Media.

The new team had set up a racing factory in Silverstone, UK, under Andretti's management and hired experienced personnel. Ferrari and Honda will be the main engine suppliers for the team from 2026.