Green light for US project: U-turn: Formula 1 from 2026 with Cadillac as the eleventh team

After long negotiations, Formula 1 clears the way for General Motors subsidiary Cadillac to join as the eleventh team. The makers of Formula 1 announced that a fundamental agreement had been reached with the car manufacturer to start in the racing series from the season after next. Initially, Cadillac will be there with its own racing team from 2026, and at a later date General Motors will also build engines for the premier motorsport class.

The world association FIA had already spoken out in favor of starting the US project at the beginning of the year, which was initially led by ex-racing driver Michael Andretti. However, the current ten Formula 1 racing teams had for a long time fiercely resisted another participant and did not want to share the revenue. Therefore, the top of Formula 1 initially opposed Andretti’s plans to join the team. The US judiciary announced an investigation into the decision.

Since General Motors has now increased its interest and there is a new majority owner behind the project, the Formula 1 management gave the green light after further discussions. For the hoped-for growth in the US market, the car manufacturer’s commitment brings “additional value and interest in our sport,” said Greg Maffei, boss of Formula 1 owner Liberty Media.

The new US project, under Andretti’s leadership, expanded a racing factory in Silverstone, UK, and hired experienced staff. Ferrari and Honda are particularly suitable engine suppliers for the team to start in 2026.