While 2026 seems distant, the reality is that it’s approaching faster than it seems. Although the 2026 regulations are still undergoing revisions—significant updates to the initial draft released in June were made as recently as December—teams were granted permission on January 1 to begin aerodynamic development.
Previously, teams were prohibited from using CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) and wind tunnels to study the new regulations, though some preliminary activities were allowed to start preparations. This rule aimed to prevent early resource investments and maintain grid balance. Now, with the green light given, there’s much to explore and learn about the upcoming regulatory cycle.
The 2026 season will mark a technical turning point, introducing new power units and cars significantly different from the current designs. It’s also expected to be the year Cadillac makes its Formula 1 debut.
After Andretti initially sought entry into F1, receiving a firm rejection from Liberty Media in early 2024, the project was restructured, giving Cadillac and General Motors a more prominent role.
A Project Taking Shape
GM’s entry into Formula 1 will be spearheaded by TWG Global, led by Dan Towriss, a figure closely tied to Andretti. The UK-based chassis division, formerly Andretti Formula Racing, has been renamed Cadillac to symbolize the transition necessary to gain approval from F1.
Although the Cadillac project has yet to receive final approval from Liberty Media, as only a preliminary agreement has been reached, work is progressing quickly. The American brand is continuing to hire staff, building on the foundation laid by Andretti. Key figures, such as Pat Symonds, have also joined the effort, with Symonds starting on January 1 after leaving his role as Formula 1’s technical director.
Cadillac’s preparations are underway, but the brand is not without limitations. Before reaching an agreement with the FOM (Formula One Management), Cadillac wasn’t bound by F1’s financial and aerodynamic testing restrictions since it wasn’t officially registered. For example, Andretti previously used wind tunnel models to study 2025 regulations, partly to gain experience with its team. However, this did not translate into a significant advantage, as the 2026 rules have been heavily revised. Moreover, not being part of the F1 Commission, Cadillac lacked insight into how teams were shaping the regulations between June and December.
Challenges and Constraints
Andretti is still in the hiring phase and has a limited workforce. While efforts have been made to recruit engineers from other teams, some employees lack extensive experience, with a portion being recent university graduates—a strategic choice to quickly onboard new talent. Andretti also lacks its own wind tunnel and relies on external facilities, such as Toyota’s in Cologne.
McLaren’s recent struggles have shown how having in-house infrastructure can make a significant difference. While Cadillac’s project is still in its infancy, logistical constraints currently have a smaller impact. However, the effort cannot yet be compared to the polished operations of established F1 teams.
Restrictions Ahead of Debut
As Cadillac invests in its 2026 debut, it no longer enjoys complete freedom. Following the preliminary agreement with F1, some regulations are already in place. For example, under the financial rules, Cadillac must adhere to the budget cap for the year before its debut. Article 10 of the financial regulations states:
“A Formula 1 team granted an FIA Super License to participate in the Championship must comply with the Financial Regulations for the entire fiscal year ending on December 31 immediately preceding its first season of competition.”
Cadillac will have some exceptions, such as flexibility in documentation submission. However, for the 2025 season, it must still abide by budget cap restrictions, preventing unlimited spending. Additionally, aerodynamic testing will face specific restrictions to avoid giving Cadillac an unfair advantage, though it will receive more wind tunnel and CFD time than existing teams, including 115% of the standard allocation as a new entrant.
Building a Formula 1 team from scratch is a monumental challenge, even for an experienced motorsport organization like Andretti and a brand like GM. While GM aims to eventually develop its own power unit, Cadillac has reached an agreement to use Ferrari engines for 2026 and 2027, ensuring the Prancing Horse continues to supply two customer teams.
It’s worth noting that the FIA and Formula 1 have revised regulations in recent months to implement stricter safeguards against knowledge transfers between constructors. As the 2026 power units approach, further regulatory controls have been introduced to ensure competitive integrity, with the FIA tightening measures in the latest draft of the regulations.
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