CadillacF1 Team

Cadillac F1 Team: A New American Powerhouse on the Horizon

The entry of Cadillac F1 Team into the FIA Formula One World Championship in 2026 marks a significant milestone for American motorsport, representing the first new independent constructor to join the grid since Haas in 2016. Backed by automotive giant General Motors (GM) and in collaboration with TWG Motorsports, this ambitious project aims not only to compete at the pinnacle of global racing but also to establish GM as a Formula One power unit manufacturer by 2029. The team's journey to the grid has been characterized by strategic partnerships, significant investment, and a clear long-term vision.

Founding and Ownership History

The genesis of the Cadillac F1 Team can be traced back to January 2023, when General Motors, under its luxury Cadillac brand, and Michael Andretti's Andretti Global publicly announced their intention to enter Formula One. While their bid received approval from the FIA, it was initially vetoed by the Formula One Group, which stipulated that reconsideration would occur if GM committed to manufacturing its own Formula One engines. This pivotal condition set the stage for GM's deeper involvement. Following the initial rejection, Andretti Global continued to develop its infrastructure, utilizing Toyota's state-of-the-art wind tunnel in Cologne. A major turning point occurred in November 2024, amidst ongoing disputes between the Formula One Group and Michael Andretti. TWG Global, a key sponsor of Andretti Global led by Mark Walter, stepped in to assume control of the business operations, encompassing sponsorship, infrastructure planning, and organizational growth. Michael Andretti transitioned to an advisory role, with his father, Mario Andretti, joining the board of directors. The British subsidiary, initially Andretti Racing, was subsequently rebranded as TWG Cadillac Formula 1 Team Limited, solidifying the Cadillac identity. Final approval for Cadillac's entry as a new constructor for the 2026 season was tentatively granted by the Formula One Group in November 2024 and formally confirmed in March 2025, allowing the team to sign the latest Concorde Agreement. This approval positioned Cadillac as the 11th team on the grid, with GM paying an expansion fee of US$450 million, more than double the original demand. Crucially, GM also committed to manufacturing its own Formula One power units starting in the 2029 season, utilizing Ferrari engines until then. The team made its initial testing debut in November 2025 at Imola, with Sergio Pérez at the wheel of a modified Ferrari SF-23, signaling its readiness for competition.

Organizational Structure and Key Personnel

The leadership and technical backbone of Cadillac F1 Team reflect a blend of experienced motorsport executives and seasoned Formula One engineering talent. In December 2024, Graeme Lowdon, formerly CEO of Virgin and Marussia F1 teams, was appointed Team Principal, reporting to Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports. This leadership duo is tasked with steering the team through its formative years. Cadillac has strategically recruited a formidable engineering team, drawing heavily from the highly regarded