GM prepares for Formula One with Cadillac's 2026 debut

In the United States, General Motors Co. is actively preparing for its involvement in Formula One (F1) with the Cadillac team, which is set to debut in 2026. After receiving formal approval in March 2025 to enter as the 11th team, GM's strategy aims to position the company as a serious competitor in the global motorsport arena. Currently, Formula One consists of ten teams featuring two cars each, and GM's entry is significant as it marks the first new team since 2016. The preparation initiatives encompass serious teamwork between engineers, with emphasis on collaboration across specialties, similar to historic U.S. engineering feats such as landing men on the moon from 1969 to 1972. This comparison made by Graeme Lowdon, Cadillac team principal, highlights the ambitious scope of GM's project. Noteworthy is the simulation work conducted by GM, which utilized the Barcelona Grand Prix race to hone competitive strategies. Discussions and facilities coordination are set to occur in both the U.S. and the U.K., ensuring that the foundation for the project is robust. As part of their endeavor, GM has partnered with TWG Motorsports to guide and strengthen the operational framework necessary for a successful entry into Formula One. Additionally, GM has secured an agreement with Ferrari to supply engines for the Cadillac team during its inaugural season. This collaboration is part of a broader vision where GM aims to produce its own F1 engines by the end of the decade, strategically positioning itself in a competitive market while also expanding its global marketing reach through F1's established international racing circuits. Furthermore, F1's growing presence in the U.S. market, currently featuring three annual races, serves to enhance GM's vehicle marketing opportunities and brand visibility on a global stage.