Cadillac is making a bold move to enter Formula 1 in 2026, aiming to become the sport’s 11th team. In partnership with General Motors and TWG Motorsports, the American automaker is racing against time to build a competitive team from scratch. Led by experienced Briton Graeme Lowdon, Cadillac is not buying its way into F1 but building everything from the ground up. With the clock ticking, this ambitious project could redefine the team’s future in motorsports.

Building a Team: The Ground-Up Approach

In the world of Formula 1, entering a new team is no small feat. Cadillac is taking a risk, choosing to establish its presence in the sport with a unique, from-scratch approach. While many teams have entered F1 through mergers or acquisitions, Cadillac’s strategy is far more daring. Their decision to build their team is a risk with the potential for significant reward.

The foundation for Cadillac’s entry began in 2022 when Lowdon and his team set the groundwork for a new motorsport project. The project was so secretive that even hiring staff meant referring to it as a “top-tier motorsport project.” The mystery surrounding the project lasted until the big reveal during the Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2023, where the team’s entry was officially confirmed. Cadillac’s partnership with Ferrari for power units until 2029 adds an exciting layer to this journey.

Strategic Planning and the Pressing Timeline

The project is driven by a looming deadline: the first race in Australia in 2026. The team’s preparations are guided by countdown clocks in every office, serving as a constant reminder of the ticking clock. Graeme Lowdon, an experienced figure in motorsport, helped launch the Manor F1 team in 2010, and his expertise has been crucial in steering this project toward success.

“We have to be there at the first race,” Lowdon says. “You can’t show up a week late and say: ‘We’ll do it now.’ That doesn’t work.” The pressure is palpable as the team pushes to meet the stringent requirements for their F1 debut.

Expansion and Growth: Constructing the Team

Since the announcement, Cadillac has been moving swiftly to build its operations. With one new hire every day, the team is rapidly expanding. Their headquarters is being constructed in Fishers, Indiana, a complement to existing facilities in Silverstone, England, and Charlotte, North Carolina, where GM’s engine plant is being developed. This multi-faceted approach reflects the team’s ambition to establish a global presence in Formula 1.

Key Hires and Expertise

Lowdon has stressed the importance of assembling a team of experienced experts. Among the key hires are technical director Nick Chester (formerly of Renault), head of aerodynamics Jon Tomlinson (from Williams), and engineering consultant Pat Symonds (with a history at Benetton, Renault, and Williams). These seasoned professionals add a layer of credibility to the project, showing that Cadillac is serious about competing at the highest level in motorsport.

But despite their rapid expansion, challenges remain. Cadillac has yet to produce its first chassis, and the clock continues to count down to its first official F1 test. As the team builds its car and works toward its debut, the decision regarding drivers remains one of the most high-profile and important choices to be made. While no official names have been confirmed, speculation points toward the inclusion of American drivers, with IndyCar’s Colton Herta and veteran F1 driver Sergio Pérez being rumored candidates.

Cadillac’s Impact on Formula 1 in the U.S.

Cadillac’s entry is a significant milestone for Formula 1, especially in North America. While Haas represents the U.S. in F1, Cadillac brings an industrial powerhouse with substantial marketing influence and motorsport heritage. This American team is expected to be a key player in further expanding F1’s popularity in the United States.

“It’s a pivotal moment for F1 in the U.S.,” Lowdon says. “Cadillac’s entry will help grow F1’s fanbase in North America.”

Despite the ambitious plans, there is no room for mistakes. The team’s debut hinges on meeting the timeline, with no room for delays. Lowdon and his team are fully aware of the stakes, and they’re committed to overcoming the numerous challenges that lie ahead.

As Cadillac works to build a competitive team and make its mark in Formula 1, the project remains one of the most exciting and ambitious ventures in motorsports. If successful, it could change the dynamics of American motorsport and solidify Cadillac’s legacy in one of the world’s most prestigious racing series.

Cadillac’s journey into Formula 1 is a high-stakes venture with the potential for major success. With strong leadership, key industry hires, and an ambitious timeline, the team’s arrival in 2026 will undoubtedly be one of the most anticipated events in motorsport. The next few years will be critical as Cadillac builds a competitive team from the ground up.