F1 formally approves deal for General Motors to become 11th team with Cadillac in 2026

Formula 1 has formally approved the entry of General Motors and its Cadillac brand into the championship for the 2026 season and beyond.

The move supersedes a deal in principle that was reached between F1 and General Motors last November and now ratifies Cadillac’s slot on the grid as an 11th team.

It will mean that the Silverstone-based operation has the full support of GM, initially joining as a Ferrari customer outfit before producing its own power units from 2028.

The American manufacturer had been working on an agreement with Andretti Global to form an F1 team, but the initial application was rejected as Formula One Management did not believe the team’s proposal would add value to the series.

That embarrassing snub had given rise to increased tensions between Michael Andretti and F1 over Andretti's aggressive campaigning to overturn the decision, including a long-running standoff involving US Congress and the Department of Justice.

However, a revised bid led by Dan Towriss’s TWG Group after Andretti stepped down has now been given the green light.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said: "As we said in November, the commitment by General Motors to bring a Cadillac team to Formula 1 was an important and positive demonstration of the evolution of our sport.

"I want to thank GM and TWG for their constructive engagement over many months and look forward to welcoming the team on the grid from 2026 for what will be another exciting year for Formula 1."

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem added: “Today marks a transformative moment, and I am proud to lead the Federation in this progressive step for the championship.

“The FIA Formula 1 championship's expansion to an 11th team in 2026 is a milestone. GM/Cadillac brings fresh energy, aligning with the new FIA 2026 regulations and ushering in an exciting era for the sport.

“The Cadillac Formula 1 Team’s presence in the paddock will inspire future competitors and fans. Their entry strengthens our mission to push motorsport’s boundaries at the highest level.”

The UK-based operation has been slowly growing despite the pending confirmation, and will start F1 after the biggest set of regulation changes in the championship’s history.

A completely new power unit and chassis ruleset comes in for 2026 and the Cadillac F1 Team now has only 12 months to prepare for its debut season.

The project has been led by former Marussia team boss Graeme Lowdon, who has recruited senior designers including F1 stalwart Pat Symonds and former Renault engine chief Rob White.

Graeme Lowdon in the Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber garage

Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images

IndyCar star Colton Herta has emerged as a potential driver for the Cadillac entry. The 24-year-old American has previously tested a McLaren F1 car at Portimao in 2022 and has previously raced in Europe.

He recently cooled talk of linking him to the Cadillac F1 seat saying: "I'd be leaving a great group of people I really like working with, so it's not a sure thing for me.

"It's not an easy decision, just to be like, 'all right, see you guys later'. I'd be giving up an opportunity of maybe never working with these people again."