Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 in 2026 is being hailed as a milestone for America. A fully American team aiming to compete with the European powerhouses. But how American is this team really? The name and ambitions are American, but the technology and daily operations tell a different story. We examine the key factors to determine just how American Cadillac will truly be.
1. The Management?
Cadillac’s F1 project is a collaboration between Cadillac and Andretti Global, a family business deeply rooted in American motorsport. Michael Andretti has spent years striving to get an American team on the F1 grid and is now joining forces with General Motors (Cadillac) to wage this battle. In terms of leadership and vision, the project is entirely American.
Is the management American? Yes!
2. The Engine?
A true factory team develops its own engine, but Cadillac will be dependent on a Ferrari power unit until 2028. This is a logical interim step, as building an engine takes years, but it does mean that the team will heavily rely on European technology in the early years. Whether Cadillac’s own engine will be immediately successful in 2028 remains uncertain. Other teams have experienced how difficult it is to build a competitive power unit of their own.
Is the engine American? No, not until 2028 – and it remains to be seen how good the Cadillac engine will be.
The Technical Headquarters?
A true American team would design and build its F1 car entirely in the US. However, almost all teams, except for Ferrari, RB, and Sauber, operate from England, where the technical infrastructure and specialists are located. Cadillac will likely follow the same path and establish its base at Andretti’s F1 facility in Silverstone. This means that, for now, Cadillac does not differ from other teams. Only when a development center is also established in the US can it truly distinguish itself as an American factory team.
Is the technical headquarters American? No, but that’s the case for almost every team.
The Technical Staff?
To be competitive, Cadillac will need to attract experienced F1 engineers and technicians. And where are they located? In Europe. It’s highly likely that many technical leaders will come from existing European F1 teams. Even if American engineers are added, European specialists will play a crucial role in the car’s development.
Therefore, Cadillac will largely consist of a European racing team.
The Drivers?
A fully American F1 team should also have an American driver on the grid. Colton Herta is the most logical candidate, and many already expect this move. Others predict that Cadillac will opt for a driver with more F1 experience, purely for competitive reasons.
Will the drivers be American? That is still uncertain.
Conclusion: An American name, but European DNA
A Good Step
Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 is a significant step for American motorsport, but in practice, the team will remain largely European for the first few years. The name, management, and ambitions are American. However, the technical base is in England, the engine comes from Ferrari, and the staff will largely consist of experienced F1 specialists from Europe.
In the short term, Cadillac is an American brand being applied to a European car and team. A good step? Yes. But the American Dream? Certainly not yet.
