Cadillac’s preparations for its 2026 entry into Formula 1 are accelerating with the announcement of long-standing Haas engineer Peter Crolla transitioning to the US outfit’s project as Team Manager.
Crolla joined Haas in 2015 from McLaren, initially serving as Race Team Coordinator to aid in the team’s 2016 F1 debut preparations. He advanced to the role of Team Manager in 2017, a position he held until the end of 2024.
The strategic move brings invaluable experience to General Motors’ F1 operation as it gears up for its debut in twelve months in the world’s premier motorsport category.
Crolla’s first-hand experience of the challenges and opportunities involved in setting up a new team will be instrumental in Cadillac’s preparations.
Building a Competitive Team
Crolla’s arrival coincides with the imminent approval of Cadillac’s F1 entry for 2026.
The FIA is reportedly in the final stages of granting a formal green light to the project, after which a commercial agreement with Formula One Management will be necessary.
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Cadillac has been strategically recruiting experienced personnel to boost its staff, including veteran F1 engineer Pat Symonds, who joined as the team’s Executive Engineering Consultant.
Symonds has expressed his admiration for the progress already made by the team, particularly the “solid foundational work” behind the car’s development, and believes Cadillac can field a competitive car in 2026.
Crolla joins a leadership team that includes Team Principal Graham Lowdon, Technical Director Nicholas Chester, Chief Operating Officer Rob White, and Symonds.
Preparing for 2026 and Beyond
The tasks facing Cadillac are considerable, including expanding its workforce, designing a car from scratch, and integrating the power unit and gearbox system that will be supplied by Ferrari.
But Crolla’s experience with Haas, including working with Ferrari power units, will be invaluable in navigating these challenges.
Pat Symonds with Cadillac F1 team principal Graham Lowdon.
Looking further ahead, Cadillac is developing its own bespoke power unit and gearbox, with the aim of becoming a fully-fledged works team by 2028.
Russ O’Blenes will lead this effort as head of GM Performance Power Units LLC.
With experienced personnel like Crolla and Symonds on board, Cadillac is demonstrating its commitment to a successful and competitive future in Formula 1.
Read also: Wolff calls $450 million entry fee for Cadillac F1 ‘too low’
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