As the 2025 Formula 1 season draws near, there’s already a buzz about what’s coming in 2026. Cadillac, the renowned American brand, has just received the official nod from both Formula 1 and the FIA to join the F1 grid under the upcoming regulation changes.
Last year, General Motors, partnering with TWG Global, laid the groundwork for this exciting venture by reaching a tentative agreement with Formula 1. They announced plans to launch a Cadillac team, aiming to make a splash in the racing series come 2026.
In a bold move, the U.S. auto giant will embark on creating a unique F1 power unit. This initiative sets the Cadillac Formula 1 Team on an ambitious path to becoming a full-scale “works” team, designing both its vehicles and power units by the decade’s close.
What makes this even more thrilling is that Cadillac will be the first fresh face on the F1 grid since 2016, increasing the number of competing teams to eleven. Steering this new endeavor as team principal is Graeme Lowdon. He’s known not only for his racing management expertise but also plays a key role in guiding Zhou Guanyu, China’s pioneering F1 driver.
With the final seals of approval from the FIA and Formula 1, Cadillac now has the green light to steam ahead with their 2026 plans. Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “Together with GM, we’ve built a strong foundation for our entry into F1. Now, after gaining final approval, we’re scaling up our facilities, honing advanced technologies, and gathering the best talent out there.”
Adding his voice to the chorus of excitement, GM President Mark Reuss remarked, “We deeply appreciate the FIA’s and Formula 1’s support, our anticipation grows as we move toward presenting GM’s engineering prowess on Formula 1’s world-renowned stage.”
Cadillac has also announced that alongside Lowdon’s leadership, Russ O’Blenes will step into the role of CEO of TWG GM Performance Power Units. Lowdon himself couldn’t be prouder of his team’s hard work, stating, “Getting the green light is a crucial step in our journey to the grid. Through every step of the application process, our mission and momentum remained steadfast. We’re eager to get on the track and offer fans a new team to cheer for.”
F1’s president and CEO, Stefano Domenicali, noted, “GM’s decision to bring Cadillac into our sport marks a significant and optimistic shift for Formula 1. I extend my thanks to GM and TWG for their productive collaboration and eagerly await their debut in 2026, which promises to be a thrilling season.”
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem shared his thoughts, “Today, we witness a pivotal moment. Leading the Federation through this evolution is an honor. Inviting an 11th team, particularly Cadillac/GM, aligns perfectly with our 2026 vision and invigorates our championship. Their influence will be felt across the paddock, sparking motivation among contenders and inspiring our audience. Their participation reaffirms our commitment to pushing motorsport’s frontiers.”
