(The Post News)– Cadillac will officially join Formula One in 2026 as the sport’s 11th team after receiving approval from both the FIA and the commercial rights holders. The decision, confirmed in a joint statement on Friday, follows extensive assessments on sporting, technical, and commercial grounds.
The move builds on an agreement reached in principle last November, after an initial bid under the Andretti name was turned down. General Motors’ backing played a key role in solidifying Cadillac’s entry, with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali emphasising the significance of the manufacturer’s commitment. He expressed appreciation for GM and TWG Motorsports’ collaborative approach, noting their contribution to the sport’s growth.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem highlighted the expansion as a defining moment for Formula One, aligning with the upcoming 2026 regulations. He described Cadillac’s arrival as a fresh boost to the competition and a potential inspiration for future teams and fans.
With the sport set for a major regulatory shift in 2026, Cadillac has secured a deal to use Ferrari engines initially, with plans for General Motors to develop its own power unit in the future. The team has also appointed Graeme Lowdon as its lead and established a European base at Silverstone.
Lowdon confirmed that preparations are progressing well, stressing that the team is now in a position to access critical F1 data and fully integrate into the competition. He added that driver selection will be purely based on merit but acknowledged that having an American driver would be a welcome prospect for many fans. Cadillac’s entry marks a significant expansion for Formula One, promising to bring fresh competition to the grid in an already evolving era for the sport.