Cadillac Prepares Major Entry Into Formula One for 2026 Season

Cadillac’s entry into Formula One in 2026 marks a major moment for American motorsport. Team CEO Dan Towriss said that joining F1 is not just about racing, but also about increasing the U.S. presence on the world sports stage. He explained that this step comes at the perfect time, as the United States is also preparing to host big global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Towriss made these remarks during the Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend. He said that Formula One represents “innovation on the biggest stage,” and now, with General Motors supporting the project, the United States finally has a strong place in this high-level competition. According to him, Cadillac wants to become “that American team” that fans across the country can support with pride.

The team will officially join the Formula One grid as the 11th team in 2026. Cadillac has already confirmed Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas as its drivers, which has created excitement among fans in the U.S. and Mexico. Their lineup also makes Cadillac only the second U.S.-flagged team in the sport, alongside Haas.

Cadillac will set up two major operational bases—one in Silverstone, England, and another new facility in Fishers, Indiana. This international setup will help the team build and test its cars efficiently. Towriss said that the project already carries a strong sense of national pride. Fans have been asking for team merchandise, and many people have shared personal stories about their connection to the Cadillac brand over the years.

Commercial interest in the team has also been very strong. The signing of Perez boosted attention even more, especially from sponsors in the U.S. and Mexico. Towriss said that the reaction from the market has been “beyond expectations,” showing that people are eager to support a new American-backed team in Formula One.

However, the team is entering the championship from the very beginning, without taking over an existing operation. Because of this, Towriss admitted that the team might start at the back of the grid. He said, “Are we going to be last? Why wouldn’t we be last?” But he added that what matters is how fast the team improves over the next few years.

Cadillac has a clear long-term plan. The team aims to compete for podium finishes and race victories within five years of joining the sport. Towriss said it does not matter whether the team uses a Ferrari engine or a future Cadillac-built engine—their goal is steady progress and reaching the top.

Towriss also supported Formula One’s new U.S. broadcast deal with Apple. He said the team will collaborate with major American sports leagues like Major League Baseball and the NBA. These cross-promotions will help introduce Formula One to fans who are more familiar with traditional American “stick and ball” sports.

He concluded by saying that entering Formula One is only the beginning. Cadillac aims to grow into a strong and competitive team, representing the United States on the global stage. As Towriss put it, “We didn’t fight to get into Formula One just to get there. That wasn’t the destination. It was the beginning.”