As the 2026 season approaches, a significant addition to the Formula 1 roster is Cadillac, an American team supported by TWG Motorsports and General Motors. This marks the arrival of the 11th team on the grid, coinciding with new technical regulations. The pressing question remains: how will Cadillac fare in its inaugural season? Here’s a comprehensive overview of what to expect from this latest entry into the F1 arena.
Driver Line-Up for 2026
Cadillac has chosen a duo of seasoned racers to lead their charge in 2026. Valtteri Bottas, donning the #77, boasts an impressive track record with 10 Grand Prix wins, 67 podium finishes, and 1,797 points across 246 races. Meanwhile, Sergio Perez, assigned the #11, arrives with 6 Grand Prix victories, 39 podiums, and 1,638 points from 281 starts.
Despite being a newcomer, Cadillac has opted for a robust driver lineup. Both Bottas and Perez have spent the previous year away from full-time racing, making their return a focal point for the team. Bottas, who previously raced with Mercedes from 2017 to 2021, will leverage his experience as he re-enters the competition.
On the other side, Perez also makes a comeback after his departure from Red Bull at the conclusion of the 2024 season. With a career-best second-place finish in the 2023 championship, he adds valuable experience to the team.
Cadillac’s Preparations for 2025
In contrast to their competitors, Cadillac did not participate in the 2025 season, instead focusing on their preparations for their debut. Their entry was officially approved in March 2025, setting the stage for their future in Formula 1.
A pivotal moment came in August when the team announced their driver pairing of Bottas and Perez, following months of speculation. The roster continued to expand with the addition of former IndyCar driver Colton Herta as a test driver.
In October, Pietro Fittipaldi was appointed as a development driver, joining simulator operators Simon Pagenaud and Charlie Eastwood. Furthermore, Zhou Guanyu secured a position as a reserve driver in January 2026.
December also saw Cadillac unveil plans for their inaugural livery, set to be revealed during a Super Bowl advertisement on February 8.
Caddillac’s Rich Legacy
While Cadillac may be a fresh face in Formula 1, its lineage is steeped in automotive history, with the brand established in 1902 as a division of General Motors. Renowned for their luxury automobiles throughout the 20th century, Cadillac’s motorsport involvement dates back to the 1950s, having raced in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
After a hiatus, Cadillac returned to Le Mans in the early 2000s, fielding the Northstar LMP vehicles from 2000 until 2002. The manufacturer has since secured championships in various series, including the World Challenge GT Championship and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
In November 2024, Formula 1 announced a preliminary agreement with General Motors to facilitate Cadillac’s entry into the sport, with final approval granted in March 2025.
Initial Achievements
As Cadillac has yet to compete on the track, they have a clean slate ahead. However, their early efforts off the track, particularly in assembling a team of experienced professionals, stand out as a notable achievement.
Team Principal Graeme Lowdon brings a wealth of experience from his time leading the Marussia/Manor team. The combined Grand Prix experience of Bottas and Perez, totaling 527 starts, adds significant depth to the lineup.
With the inclusion of reserve driver Zhou and development team members like Fittipaldi, Cadillac appears to have effectively prioritized their goal of emphasizing driver experience.
Goals for the 2026 Season
Those involved in the Cadillac initiative have approached their first season with a practical mindset, acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead. Bottas emphasized the need for realism and mental preparation for potential difficulties.
Nonetheless, he expressed optimism about the team’s long-term prospects, stating, “the sky’s the limit.” Lowdon echoed this sentiment, recognizing the steep learning curve they face against competitors with extensive Formula 1 experience.
He remarked, “We’re racing against teams where the youngest has about a decade of experience, setting a clear expectation. Our focus will be on executing what we can control.”
The team aims to build a competitive Formula 1 presence through diligence and hard work, understanding that the journey will be challenging but rewarding.
As Cadillac prepares to enter the F1 grid as the 11th team in 2026, the anticipation builds around how this American squad will perform during its debut campaign.
