F1: GM-Cadillac to Join the Grid as 11th Team in 2026
General Motors and Cadillac will join Formula 1 as the 11th team on the grid for the 2026 season.
By Reetika Bhatt
General Motors and Cadillac will join Formula 1 as the 11th team on the grid for the 2026 season. This entry represents a significant step for the sport, adding one of America's leading automotive brands to its roster. The decision comes as Formula 1's popularity continues to rise in the United States, supported by new races and increased fan engagement. With General Motors' resources and Cadillac's engineering expertise, the team aims to compete at a high level under the new regulations set to take effect in 2026. Their entry highlights the growing appeal of Formula 1 to major manufacturers and sets the stage for increased competition in the sport.
The F1 Grid Expands to 11 Teams
Under General Motors, Cadillac is set to join the Formula 1 grid in 2026 after reaching an agreement in principle to support GM's standalone entry as an 11th team. The team will likely use Ferrari power units initially, before producing its own engines. This development comes just two days after the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the third U.S. race of the season alongside Miami and Austin.
The journey toward adding an 11th team began late last year when Michael Andretti's organisation announced its intent to enter Formula 1 and participated in the FIA's official tendering process. Michael is a former driver and the son of 1978 world champion Mario Andretti. Among several candidates, Andretti was the only team to meet the FIA's stringent criteria, earning the chance to move its bid forward to Formula One Management (FOM). Despite GM's involvement, FOM ultimately declined Andretti's application, though GM was invited to explore its own path into the sport.
Meanwhile, Andretti has continued developing its facilities in Silverstone and the U.S., strengthening its team with experienced figures such as Graeme Lowdon and Pat Symonds.
Interestingly, Mario Andretti will take on the role of director on Cadillac team's board. He said, 'My first love was Formula 1 and now – 70 years later – the F1 paddock is still my happy place. I’m absolutely thrilled with Cadillac, Formula 1, Mark Walter, and Dan Towriss. To still be involved at this stage of my life — I have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.'
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Sharing his thoughts, Mark Reuss, President, of General Motors remarked, 'As the pinnacle of motorsports, F1 demands boundary-pushing innovation and excellence. It’s an honour for General Motors and Cadillac to join the world’s premier racing series, and we’re committed to competing with passion and integrity to elevate the sport for race fans around the world. This is a global stage for us to demonstrate GM’s engineering expertise and technology leadership at an entirely new level.'
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of FIA, who has supported the idea of adding more teams and had differences with F1 regarding Andretti's initial application, commented, 'General Motors is a huge global brand and powerhouse in the OEM world and is working with impressive partners. I am fully supportive of the efforts made by the FIA, Formula 1, GM, and the team to maintain dialogue and work towards this outcome of an agreement in principle to progress this application to bring a GM/Cadillac branded team on the grid for the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship. All parties, including the FIA, will continue to work together to ensure the process progresses smoothly.'
