Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali has provided an encouraging update on Cadillac’s long-anticipated entry into the sport, signaling that the American team is on the cusp of finalizing its place on the grid for the 2026 season.
Cadillac’s entry, backed by General Motors and owned by TWG Motorsports, has been navigating a complex path to join Formula 1, overcoming initial setbacks and evolving its bid with significant developments in recent months.
Domenicali’s latest comments, shared during a conference call with Wall Street analysts last week, underscore the progress made and the optimism surrounding the team’s imminent arrival.
A Bumpy Road to F1
The journey began when Cadillac, initially spearheaded by Andretti Global, received approval from the FIA in October 2023 to pursue an F1 entry.
However, the bid hit a roadblock in January 2024 when Formula One Management (FOM) rejected the proposal, casting doubt on the team’s prospects.
Undeterred, Andretti Global pressed forward, establishing a UK headquarters in Silverstone and bolstering its technical expertise by recruiting former F1 chief technical officer Pat Symonds.
A pivotal shift occurred later in 2024 when Michael Andretti stepped back from his role as Andretti Global CEO, and General Motors stepped up its involvement in the project.
This restructuring paved the way for FOM to grant an agreement in principle in November 2024, setting Cadillac on course to join the grid in 2026.
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Last week, Domenicali elaborated on the current state of the process.
“There is the formality that is related to the process that [is] almost ready,” he said, quoted by The Mirror.
“Together with the FIA there has to be an update and whenever this will be ready, it should be not too long, there will be an update to formalize what basically has already happened.”
With these formalities nearing completion, Domenicali expressed confidence in the timeline, concluding, “So they will be ready to fight against or together with the other teams for next year.”
Cadillac’s Strategic Preparations and F1 Vision
Beyond the procedural updates, Domenicali highlighted Cadillac’s commitment to establishing a competitive presence in Formula 1.
“Cadillac is preparing the entry— in terms of preparing the season, because it would not be an easy situation for them to be in such a high-tech and evolved sporting platform — they are doing everything in order to show how Cadillac is really involved into the sport.”
This preparation reflects the team’s determination to meet the demands of F1’s sophisticated technical landscape.
As a reminder, Cadillac’s entry will initially rely on Ferrari powertrains, a pragmatic move as it builds toward becoming a full works team by the end of 2030.
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General Motors recently underscored its long-term commitment by forming GM Performance Power Units LLC in January 2025, signaling its intent to develop its own power units in the future.
Domenicali praised this ambition, stating, “GM […] want to be a real constructor or a manufacturer that will invest in our sport because they do believe in the technological platform that the F1 can provide to their system.”
For Domenicali, Cadillac’s arrival represents more than just an additional team—it’s a testament to F1’s growing appeal as a platform for innovation and competition.
“So I’m very, very happy that now this is on board, moving forward, and looking forward to see them on the track together with the other teams to fight for a great championship,” he said.
The Italian’s enthusiasm reflects the broader optimism within the sport as it prepares to welcome an American manufacturer with deep roots in automotive heritage.
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