Cadillac is gearing up to make its debut in Formula One in 2026, marking a significant milestone in the growing presence of U.S. companies in global sports.
The move is backed by General Motors and is seen as part of a broader surge in U.S. involvement in international sporting events. Cadillac's arrival will make them the 11th team on the grid, with plans to have renowned drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas behind the wheel.
Speaking at the Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend, Dan Towriss, the CEO of the General Motors-backed team, shared his vision for Cadillac’s involvement in the sport. He emphasised the team's ambition to become "that American team" in Formula One as the U.S. prepares to host major international events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
"Formula One is innovation on the biggest stage possible, and the U.S. didn’t really have a seat at that table," Towriss said.
"To now come in with General Motors, to have the Cadillac brand, it's the right place, right time for where Formula One and American sport is going on the global stage."
Cadillac’s entry will also position it as the second U.S.-flagged team in Formula One, joining Haas, another American team already on the grid. The team will have operations based in Silverstone, England, alongside a new facility in Fishers, Indiana, showcasing Cadillac’s commitment to the sport.
National pride and commercial growth
The project holds significant national pride for Cadillac, with Towriss noting how fans have already shown excitement by requesting merchandise and sharing personal stories about the brand's role in their families’ histories. He also highlighted how commercial interest in the team has exceeded expectations, thanks in part to the signing of Mexican driver Perez. Towriss also noted strong interest from U.S. and Mexican sponsors, which will help support the team's growth.
Cautious optimism for the track
On the track, however, Towriss maintained a realistic outlook, acknowledging that the new team would start from a "standing start" rather than taking over an existing operation. He humorously acknowledged that the team could initially be at the back of the grid, saying, “Are we going to be last? Why wouldn’t we be last? Maybe we catch lightning in a bottle... but then what's that rate of improvement that comes after that?”
Despite this, Towriss is optimistic about the team's long-term future, setting a target of five years to be competing for podiums and wins, whether the team is powered by Ferrari or a future Cadillac engine.
Expansion of F1’s U.S. audience
Towriss also backed Formula One's new U.S. broadcast deal with Apple, which will bring a renewed focus on promoting the sport across the country. He plans to leverage cross-promotions with Major League Baseball and the National Basketball Association (NBA) to expand Formula One's presence in the U.S., where it has traditionally competed with "stick and ball" sports.
"We didn’t fight to get into Formula One just to get there," Towriss said. "That wasn’t the destination. It was the beginning."
Cadillac’s entrance into Formula One represents a bold move not only for the iconic American brand but for the future of U.S. involvement in global motorsports. As they prepare for the 2026 season, all eyes will be on this new chapter for both Cadillac and Formula One.
U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to make the Strait of Hormuz U.S. territory have been mocked by Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, ...
The U.S. will impose unprecedented measures on Iran in order to economically isolate the country, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said...
Georgia could gain a direct electricity link to Europe under plans for a new overland energy corridor connecting Azerbaijan, Georgia, Türkiye ...
Flights at Catania airport in Sicily will remain suspended until early Friday as ash from Mount Etna continues to disrupt air travel, following hundreds of cancellations and diversions over the past week.
Hundreds of flights have been cancelled or rerouted at Catania Airport over the past week as ash from Mount Etna’s ongoing eruption continues to disrupt air travel in Sicily.
Iran says the Strait of Hormuz remains under its control, rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim of “total control” over the strategic waterway and insisting it will not reopen until Washington fulfils its commitments under an interim deal.
The U.S. will impose unprecedented measures on Iran in order to economically isolate the country, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said.
Russia has accused Ukraine of threatening global grain supplies after recent strikes on Black Sea agricultural infrastructure, while Moscow carried out a new overnight attack on Ukraine’s major Danube port of Izmail.
Iran and Afghanistan are seeking closer cooperation in agriculture, livestock and irrigation during a three-day Iranian ministerial visit to Kabul, as both sides look to strengthen trade and rural economies.
At least 437 civilians were killed and 2,610 injured in Ukraine in July, according to UN investigators, marking the highest monthly civilian casualty toll since March 2022.
Record rainfall in Japan killed eight people and stranded thousands of travellers at Tokyo's Narita Airport on Friday, as flooding disrupted transport and cut power to 20,000 homes.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 14th of August, covering the latest developments.
Ukraine’s attacks on Russian ports, refineries and shipping infrastructure are putting Moscow’s energy exports under growing pressure and disrupting key trade routes, raising concerns over commercial shipping and global food supplies.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment