Formula 1 has officially announced that it will expand its grid for the 2026 season to include a new American team, which will be partnered with General Motors (GM). This marks a significant milestone in the sport, with Cadillac, a renowned GM brand, joining as a key player. The decision to include the new team comes after years of negotiations and challenges, including an investigation by the U.S. Justice Department into Liberty Media's refusal to approve the team initially led by Michael Andretti
A Historic Partnership for American Innovation
GM President Mark Reuss expressed excitement about the new collaboration, stating, “As the pinnacle of motorsports, F1 demands boundary-pushing innovation and excellence. It’s an honor for General Motors and Cadillac to join the world’s premier racing series, and we’re committed to competing with passion and integrity to elevate the sport for race fans around the world.” Reuss highlighted the opportunity for GM to showcase its engineering expertise and technological leadership on a global stage.
The new team, called Cadillac F1, will be under the management of Andretti Global’s majority owners, Dan Towriss and Mark Walter, with Cadillac branding. The team will initially compete using Ferrari engines for the first two years before Cadillac introduces its own engine for the 2028 season.
Team Ownership and Leadership
Dan Towriss, CEO and president of Group 1001, brings significant experience in motorsports, having entered the industry through Andretti's IndyCar team. He is also involved in other motorsports ventures, owning stakes in Spire Motorsports’ NASCAR team and Wayne Taylor Racing's sports car team.
Towriss expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, “We’re excited to partner with General Motors in bringing a dynamic presence to Formula 1. Together, we’re assembling a world-class team that will embody American innovation and deliver unforgettable moments to race fans around the world.”
Mark Walter, CEO of financial services firm Guggenheim Partners, is another key figure in the team’s ownership. Walter is also the controlling owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Premier League's Chelsea Football Club.
Mario Andretti's Role and Future Prospects
Mario Andretti, the 1978 F1 world champion, will serve as an ambassador for the new Cadillac F1 team. However, his son, Michael Andretti, has stepped back from the lead role in the organization. Michael had previously pushed for a Formula 1 entry for years but is no longer directly involved with Andretti Global as it transitions to the new leadership.
The Road to Grid Expansion
The approval for the new team comes after years of discussions and complications. The grid expansion issue had sparked a debate within Formula 1, with opposition from existing teams concerned about the dilution of prize money and their already substantial investments in the series. The Andretti family's bid for an F1 team dates back to 2020, when Michael Andretti sought to purchase the Sauber team. After that, he pursued the grid expansion plan, ultimately teaming up with GM to bring the Cadillac F1 team to life.
F1 had initially rejected the entry, despite the FIA’s support, citing concerns over competition and the long-term viability of a new team. However, the inclusion of GM and the Cadillac brand proved to be a game-changer.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, praised the partnership, saying, “General Motors is a huge global brand and powerhouse in the OEM world and is working with impressive partners. I am fully supportive of the efforts made by the FIA, Formula 1, GM, and the team to maintain dialogue and work towards this outcome.”
F1’s Strategy for Growth in the U.S.
The expansion comes at a time when Formula 1 is focused on increasing its presence in the U.S., with the recent success of the Las Vegas Grand Prix further highlighting the growing popularity of the sport in America. F1’s commercial rights holder, Liberty Media, had previously resisted the Andretti entry, but the inclusion of GM has now convinced them of the potential benefits.
Greg Maffei, CEO of Liberty Media, noted, “With Formula 1’s continued growth plans in the U.S., we have always believed that welcoming an impressive U.S. brand like GM/Cadillac to the grid and GM as a future power unit supplier could bring additional value and interest to the sport.”
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Season
With the grid set to expand for the 2026 season, the new Cadillac F1 team will provide fresh competition and bring American innovation to the forefront of Formula 1. The team will partner with Ferrari for its initial engine supply and is working toward having a Cadillac-built power unit ready for the 2028 season.
Formula 1’s decision to approve the new team marks a significant step in the series’ evolution, expanding the global appeal of the sport while welcoming a brand with a storied history in the American automotive industry. Fans can expect a thrilling new chapter in F1 as Cadillac and GM make their mark on the grid.
