Formula 1 CEO Confirms New F1 Team Entry in 2026

Formula 1 (F1) is set for a major expansion, with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali officially confirming that a new team will join the grid in 2026. This announcement marks a historic moment in the sport, with General Motors (GM) bringing the Cadillac brand to the pinnacle of motorsport. The new team will compete as the 11th entry on the grid, a move expected to shake up the competitive landscape of F1.

In this article, we’ll explore all the details about Cadillac’s entry into F1, including its timeline, strategy, leadership, and impact on the sport.

Cadillac’s Entry Timeline: When Will the New F1 Team Join?

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has officially confirmed that the new Cadillac-backed team will make its debut in the 2026 Formula 1 season.

• 2026-2027: The team will initially use Ferrari power units to establish itself in the sport.

• 2028 and beyond: Cadillac aims to develop its own F1 power units, becoming a full-fledged engine supplier.

This two-phase approach allows Cadillac to gain experience in F1 while working on its long-term engine development project.

Who is Behind the New F1 Team?

The Cadillac F1 team will be managed by TWG Motorsports, a division of TWG Global Holdings. This team is backed by major financial and motorsport executives, ensuring a strong foundation for their F1 journey.

Key Leadership Figures:

• Dan Towriss – CEO of Group 1001 Insurance & CEO of TWG Motorsports

• Jill Gregory – Chief Operating Officer (COO)

• Doug Duchardt – Chief Performance Officer (CPO)

The involvement of experienced executives indicates that the Cadillac team is serious about competing at the highest level. 

Why is Cadillac Joining F1?

General Motors' decision to enter F1 through Cadillac is part of a broader strategy to expand its global motorsport footprint. Some key reasons for this move include:

1. Increased Popularity of F1 in the U.S.

• The U.S. has become a key market for Formula 1, with races in Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas drawing massive crowds.

• GM’s entry aligns with F1’s American expansion and brings another homegrown brand to the sport.

2. Branding and Technological Development

• F1 is a perfect testing ground for advanced automotive technology, and Cadillac can use this opportunity to develop high-performance hybrid and electric vehicle technologies.

3. Competition with Other Major Automakers

• Other major manufacturers, including Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull-Ford, dominate F1.

• GM sees this as an opportunity to challenge these industry giants on the world stage.

What This Means for Formula 1

1. An 11th Team Adds More Competition

With only 10 teams currently on the grid, the addition of Cadillac means more seats for young and experienced drivers. This could lead to a more competitive and exciting championship.

2. Stronger American Presence

With Haas F1 as the only current American team, Cadillac's entry solidifies the U.S. presence in the sport. This could also mean:

• More American sponsors

• Greater fan engagement in the U.S.

• Potential American drivers in the future

3. Long-Term Commitment to Engine Development

Cadillac's plan to develop its own power units by 2028 suggests that they are in F1 for the long haul. This move could disrupt the current engine supplier market, which is dominated by:

• Mercedes

• Ferrari

• Red Bull-Ford

• Renault

• Audi (joining in 2026)

More competition in the engine market could lead to technological advancements and closer racing.

Challenges Cadillac May Face in F1

While the Cadillac F1 project is ambitious, the team will face significant challenges:

1. Competing Against Established Teams

• Current F1 teams like Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes have decades of experience.

• It will take time for Cadillac to catch up in terms of development and performance.

2. Engine Development Risks

• Developing an F1 power unit is expensive and complex.

• Cadillac must invest heavily in research & development to become competitive by 2028.

3. Regulatory and Political Barriers

• Some existing teams have been resistant to expanding the grid, fearing a reduction in prize money.

• Cadillac must navigate F1’s political landscape and prove its value to the sport.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As we approach the 2026 season, excitement is building around Cadillac’s entry into F1 Streams. Key questions that remain include:

• Who will drive for the new team?

• Can Cadillac be competitive from the start?

• Will they develop a strong power unit for 2028?

With Formula 1 growing in popularity and expanding its global footprint, Cadillac's entry represents a bold move that could reshape the sport.

Final Thoughts

Cadillac’s confirmed entry into F1 in 2026 is one of the biggest developments in motorsport. Backed by General Motors, the new team has the potential to bring fresh competition to the grid and expand F1’s presence in the American market.

While challenges remain, the long-term vision of building their own power unit by 2028 shows that Cadillac is serious about becoming a key player in Formula 1.

Are you excited about Cadillac’s entry into F1? Let us know in the comments!