A NEW AMERICAN ERA IN F1

In a thrilling development for fans, Formula 1 announced that it will welcome an 11th team to the grid: General Motors’ Cadillac brand.  This marks a significant milestone for the sport’s growth in the United States, solidifying its American presence with a second truly American team alongside Haas.

The visionary plan, initially driven by Michael Andretti, to introduce a Cadillac-supported F1 team, received official approval on November 25. Ironically, this pivotal moment for American motorsport will unfold without Andretti, who stepped down from his role at Andretti Global in September. Nevertheless, the iconic Andretti name remains linked to the project, with racing legend Mario Andretti, the 1978 F1 World Champion, joining the team’s board. Mario Andretti expressed his enduring love for F1, stating, «To still be involved at this stage of my life—I have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.»

Mario Andretti returns to F1. Photo from gpblog.

As the Cadillac F1 team prepares for its debut in 2026, operations are set to span both the United States and the UK, with facilities in Indiana, North Carolina, Michigan, and Silverstone. The team’s mission is clear: to embody American innovation and deliver unforgettable experiences to race fans worldwide.

This move underscores F1’s continued expansion in the U.S., aligning with Liberty Media’s growth strategy for the sport. GM’s entry brings decades of racing success and engineering prowess to the global stage, promising a new era of competition.

General Motors President Mark Reuss highlighted the significance of this endeavor: «It’s an honor for General Motors and Cadillac to join the world’s premier racing series. This is a global stage for us to demonstrate GM’s engineering expertise and technology leadership.»

While GM’s involvement is a victory for American motorsport, it is tinged with irony as it will proceed without Michael Andretti, who originally spearheaded the effort. Nonetheless, the presence of Mario Andretti adds a symbolic touch to this new chapter in F1 history.

Main image: Image courtesy of motorsport magazine, Adam Cooper.