Cadillac Formula 1 Team Receives Final Approval to Join 2026 Grid
The Cadillac Formula 1 Team has officially received final approval to compete in the FIA Formula One World Championship, marking a significant milestone for the sport. Backed by TWG Motorsports and General Motors, this American-led team will make its highly anticipated debut on the Formula 1 grid in March 2026. This announcement signals the beginning of a new era for motorsport, with Cadillac entering the pinnacle of racing under a full-works team strategy.
Today, the FIA and Formula One Management confirmed that the Cadillac Formula 1 Team has met all the necessary requirements to join the existing 10 teams, solidifying its place in the world’s most prestigious motorsport series. The announcement is the culmination of extensive efforts from both TWG Motorsports and GM, who have worked tirelessly to meet the rigorous demands of Formula 1’s governing bodies.
“Today marks a transformative moment, and I am proud to lead the Federation in this progressive step for the championship,” said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. “The FIA Formula One Championship’s expansion to an 11th team in 2026 is a milestone. GM and Cadillac bring fresh energy to the sport, aligning with the new FIA 2026 regulations and ushering in an exciting era for Formula 1. Their entry represents the growing global appeal of our championship and further strengthens our competition at the highest level.”
A Strong American Presence on the F1 Grid
The partnership between TWG Motorsports and General Motors establishes a distinctly American team with unique attributes. TWG Motorsports’ deep resources, commitment to excellence, and cutting-edge technological advancements, combined with GM’s engineering expertise and motorsports legacy, create a formidable foundation for success. The collaboration is a bold statement in Formula 1’s history, reinforcing the United States’ growing influence in global motorsport.
“For the past year, we have worked hand in hand with GM to lay a robust foundation for an extraordinary Formula 1 entry,” said Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports. “Now, with 2026 in our sights after today’s final approval from the FIA and Formula One Management, we’re accelerating our efforts—expanding our facilities, refining cutting-edge technologies, and continuing to assemble top-tier talent.”
GM President Mark Reuss echoed Towriss’ sentiments, emphasizing the significance of this moment for Cadillac and American motorsports as a whole. “We’re thrilled the Cadillac Formula 1 Team is official, and the team has been accelerating its work to ensure a competitive debut. We’re incredibly grateful for the support from the FIA and Formula One Management leadership, and we are eager to showcase GM’s engineering expertise on the prestigious global stage of Formula 1. This is a historic step for us, and we are committed to making a lasting impact in the sport.”
Leadership and Technical Advancements
The announcement follows the confirmation that long-time motorsports and Formula 1 team executive Graeme Lowdon will serve as Team Principal of the Cadillac Formula 1 Team. A veteran in the sport, Lowdon brings years of experience in leading competitive teams on the Formula 1 grid. Meanwhile, industry veteran Russ O’Blenes has been appointed CEO of TWG GM Performance Power Units LLC, a new entity dedicated to the development of Cadillac’s Formula 1 power unit. This move aligns with the team’s goal of becoming a full-works constructor, capable of producing both chassis and power units.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the effort put in by the entire Cadillac Formula 1 Team,” said Lowdon. “This announcement is the next step in getting on the grid and continues our efforts toward building a full-works team. Through the long and thorough application process, we have never lost pace in our planning or our belief in the mission. We can’t wait to go racing and give fans a new team to cheer for.”
Russ O’Blenes shared insights into the technical progress being made behind the scenes. “Ongoing preparation and development of our power unit continue, and we’ve been working hard to hire top-tier talent. As we continue to add more experienced engineering personnel, we look forward to running our first V6 power unit in the near future.”
Cadillac’s Road to Formula 1
Since TWG Motorsports and GM announced their bid to join Formula 1 in January 2023, the team has rapidly expanded its operations. Over 300 personnel are currently working on the development of aerodynamics, chassis components, software, and vehicle dynamics simulation. The team has also been engaged in operational wind-tunnel testing, production of prototype parts, and performance validation.
To support these efforts, the team has established operations across multiple locations, including Indianapolis, Indiana; Charlotte, North Carolina; Warren, Michigan; and Silverstone, England. These strategic locations provide access to some of the best engineering talent and testing facilities in the world, ensuring the team remains competitive from the outset.
TWG Motorsports: A Growing Force in Racing
TWG Motorsports is the motorsports division of TWG Global, a company focused on unifying a broad racing portfolio across multiple disciplines. In addition to its strategic partnership with General Motors on the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, TWG Motorsports also owns and manages high-profile teams across various racing series, including Spire Motorsports (NASCAR), Andretti Global (IndyCar and Formula E), and Wayne Taylor Racing (IMSA). This extensive motorsport involvement demonstrates TWG Motorsports’ commitment to innovation, competitive excellence, and success at the highest levels of racing.
By leveraging its expertise across different racing formats, TWG Motorsports brings a unique approach to its Formula 1 entry. The knowledge gained from competing in various series will be instrumental in optimizing performance, refining strategies, and developing cutting-edge technology for Formula 1 competition.
GM’s Vision for the Future
General Motors (NYSE: GM) continues to drive the future of transportation, leveraging advanced technologies to build safer, smarter, and lower-emission vehicles. With a strong portfolio of brands, including Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC, GM remains at the forefront of automotive innovation. As the industry shifts toward electrification, GM’s focus on performance engineering remains steadfast. Their commitment to Formula 1 not only highlights their dedication to motorsport excellence but also serves as a testing ground for advanced automotive technologies that could shape future road vehicles.
What’s Next for Cadillac Formula 1?
With the final approval secured, the next phase of development will focus on refining engineering, advancing power unit production, and preparing for on-track testing. The team’s primary objectives over the next two years will include:
- Finalizing chassis design and aerodynamics in alignment with the 2026 FIA regulations.
- Conducting rigorous testing and simulation to optimize performance.
- Expanding team facilities and recruiting top-tier personnel.
- Running initial power unit tests to ensure reliability and competitiveness.
- Establishing partnerships and sponsorships to support long-term success in Formula 1.
The 2026 season promises to be a groundbreaking one, with new regulations set to introduce more sustainable technology, increased efficiency, and an overall shift toward a more competitive grid. With the arrival of the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, fans will have an exciting new team to support, adding fresh dynamics to the championship.
As preparations accelerate, TWG Motorsports and General Motors remain focused on building a team capable of competing at the highest level. With a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and performance, the Cadillac Formula 1 Team is set to make a lasting impact on the sport.
