Team Cadillac – F1. Anticipation and excitement. A presentation in true American style – far from the traditional ideals of the Formula 1 Circus – for the new arrival in Formula 1. General Motors will make its F1 debut in the 2026 season under the Cadillac brand. The American team will be the 11th team on the grid, preparing for a long-term commitment in the world of racing.
In fact, even though the car has yet to hit the pit lane, the team’s executives seem ready to take a decisive step: producing their own Power Unit starting in 2029. However, in the first three seasons, Ferrari will supply the mechanical components to the American team. So, when it comes to the engine, there are no doubts.
What remains a topic of great interest, however, is the driver market. In recent months, several drivers have been linked to the new team – almost as if it were a major surprise – but the spotlight continues to remain focused on this topic. After all, the 2025 season has already become “heavy” after just six Grands Prix – but let’s stay optimistic. As for the car development, how is everything progressing at the factory?
Team Cadillac-F1, Mark Reuss: “Long-Term Project: Power Unit Development Underway”
General Motors President Mark Reuss stated at a press conference during the Miami GP that the development of the Power Unit is progressing smoothly. His words: “Last week, the team started developing its first hybrid turbo V6 engine. This is very important for 2029, when we will have our own Power Unit.”
Cadillac is looking to the future with ambitious goals, as confirmed by the president himself: “We want to stay in Formula 1 for a long time. We will work to be competitive from day one, and we will continue to do so in the following seasons. We must make choices that look to the long term,” Mark Reuss concluded.
TWG Motorsports CEO, Dan Towriss: “We Are Building the Cars. Choosing Drivers is Complex”
Regarding car development, Dan Towriss also stated: “The work has started. We are building our cars, and we’ve already been to the wind tunnel. The chassis has also arrived. Additionally, the workflows are numerous and almost all are happening simultaneously.”
The American team has brought in several members with significant experience in Formula 1, such as Pat Symonds, former technical director of Renault and Williams teams, former Haas team manager Pete Crolla, and Nick Chester, who also has a background at Renault as a technical director. As for the drivers, there seems to be a “carousel” of young talents and veterans around Cadillac, all ready to showcase their potential in the top championship. Among the most likely candidates for a seat are the experienced and resilient Mexican Sergio Pérez, while young talents like Guanyu Zhou and Mick Schumacher are also in the spotlight.
In the latest interview with F1’s official channels, the CEO of General Motors commented on the driver market: “We’re in no rush to select one or more drivers. This operation takes time and analysis because in F1 you must make the right competitive choices, so we’re taking our time. However, some of the names circulating around the Cadillac choice are real, but it will take some more time.”
He added: “It will be crucial to combine performance and experience because we are a new team, and we need feedback on the car. There are many aspects to evaluate, and we are trying to absorb as much information as possible,” Dan Towriss concluded.
Team Cadillac-F1, the Possibility of an American Driver Gaining Ground
On the possibility of an American driver at the helm of Cadillac, he stated: “Having an American driver in our team is a dream, but we must not confuse ambition with what we really need, especially in the first season. Perhaps it will be possible in the future. We’ll see.”
Finally, regarding the team’s future objectives and the concept of success in Formula 1, he added: “We want to be innovative and bold to contribute to the progress of F1. Success starts on the track, but we want to build a solid future for Team Cadillac-F1, also aiming for a level of commercial success.”
Motorsport fans may focus on this statement, which, however, represents the reality of today’s Formula 1 Circus. Racing to win or racing for business? That’s the real dilemma of modern Formula 1. Some answers are starting to emerge. For the rest, it will only be a matter of time.
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