Cadillac is set to officially join Formula 1 by 2026. This was announced by the FOM and the FIA on Friday through a joint press release. After a preliminary agreement was reached between Formula 1 and General Motors, the American parent company of Cadillac, in November, the project received the final go-ahead this week. From 2028, the team will also start developing its own engine.
After Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali announced earlier this week that Cadillac only had to finalize a few ‘formalities’ for participation, the long-awaited confirmation came on Friday. “The FIA and Formula 1 can confirm that, following the completion of their respective sporting, technical, and commercial assessments, General Motors’ application to admit a Cadillac team to the FIA Formula 1 World Championship from 2026 has been approved,” reads the official press release.
“Joining such a high-tech sport is not easy,” Domenicali previously told The Mirror. “But Cadillac is ready to show that they are truly committed. General Motors is eager to become a manufacturer within Formula 1, as they are convinced of the technological platform that our sport can offer. I am delighted that they have come on board and I look forward to seeing them compete for the championship alongside the other teams,” he concluded.
Andretti
Cadillac was initially set to participate in Formula 1 with Andretti Global. Participation was approved by the FIA as early as October 2023, but just a few months later, the entire project was dismissed by Formula 1. Nevertheless, Andretti tirelessly continued to work on their own team; a headquarters was established in Silverstone and the team hired a number of key technicians.In late 2024, progress was made when Michael Andretti, son of the celebrated champion, stepped down as CEO and General Motors increased its involvement with the team. In November, subsidiary Cadillac and Formula 1 finally reached a principle agreement. Now we know that the team will be allowed to join the premier class in 2026, provided it uses its own powertrain from 2028. For the first two years, Cadillac has already signed a deal with engine supplier Ferrari.
A concept image of a Cadillac Formula 1 car (@SeanBullDesign)
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