Who Will Drive for Cadillac F1 Team?

Cadillac is set to make a highly anticipated debut on the Formula 1 grid in 2026, marking a significant expansion of the sport with an eleventh team. This development will bring 22 cars to the starting grid and create around 600 new jobs, igniting excitement and speculation across the motorsport world. But who exactly will drive for this new Cadillac F1 team? What are the team’s ambitions, structure, and challenges? This article explores everything currently known about Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1, the team behind the scenes, and the leading contenders for the coveted race seats.

Cadillac’s Journey to Formula 1: From Intention to Approval

The story begins in January 2023, when General Motors (GM), in partnership with Michael Andretti’s Andretti Global, announced their intention to enter Cadillac into the Formula 1 World Championship. The FIA approved this bid, but the Formula One Group initially vetoed it, citing the requirement for GM to manufacture F1 engines as a condition for reconsideration.

Fast forward to January 2024, and the eleventh team was officially approved to race in the 2026 season. This marks the first time since 2016 that 22 cars will start a race weekend, the last occasion being when Manor Marussia Racing was the eleventh team on the grid. Out of the current ten teams, nine remain the same, with Aston Martin having taken over Force India.

While the current regulations cap the grid at 26 starters, the addition of Cadillac brings the number to 22 cars, which is a notable increase. Historically, grids have been much larger—for instance, in 1953, 34 cars lined up for the German Grand Prix. However, reaching those numbers again is unlikely due to modern safety and operational regulations.

The smallest grid in recent memory was at the 2005 Indianapolis Grand Prix, where only six cars started because of tire issues with Michelin. Cadillac’s entry not only boosts the grid size but also signals significant job creation and investment in motorsport engineering and operations.

Building the Team: Key Figures and Recruitment

Cadillac is actively recruiting, seeking to hire approximately 600 people to staff the new F1 team. Many interviews are currently taking place at their Silverstone headquarters, and the recruitment team is also scouting talent directly in the paddock, targeting individuals who would be a strong fit for the Cadillac program. Some new hires report that Cadillac is offering premium salaries to attract top talent.

Out of the 600 employees, around 105 will be involved in race attendance, indicating a sizable presence at each Grand Prix.

Behind Cadillac F1 is TWG Motorsports, the umbrella company managing the team. Dan Towriss serves as the CEO of TWG Motorsports. He was spotted with heavy security at the Miami Grand Prix earlier this year and again at the IndyCar race in Indianapolis, underscoring his central role in the team’s operations.

The team principal is Graham Lowdon, a figure with deep motorsport experience. The team manager, Peter Crolla, previously worked with Haas, bringing valuable F1 operational knowledge to Cadillac’s management.

Who Will Drive for Cadillac? The Driver Lineup Speculation

The choice of drivers is arguably the most critical decision for Cadillac’s debut. Ideally, the team would like to feature talented American drivers to align with its national identity. Two names often mentioned are Colton Herta and Pato O’Ward, both of whom have impressive credentials in American racing series but may not be in the final running.

Another notable American driver, Alex Palou, currently leading IndyCar and a multiple-time champion, has expressed skepticism about joining a team unlikely to be competitive in the near term. Palou is Spanish by nationality and has indicated reluctance to spend years driving for a team that might struggle to win races.

Several international drivers have been linked with Cadillac’s seats:

• Sergio Perez: A proven race winner with a large fanbase and financial backing, Perez’s name comes up frequently. However, questions remain whether a driver accustomed to fighting for podiums would accept a backmarker role.
• Felipe Drugovich: A young and talented driver currently stuck in a non-competitive Aston Martin seat, Drugovich represents a hungry option eager to prove himself.
• Valtteri Bottas: The Finnish veteran has race wins and extensive experience. His personality and technical feedback skills would be valuable in developing a brand-new team.
• Zhou Guanyu: The Chinese driver could help Cadillac tap into the lucrative Chinese market. Interestingly, he is managed by Graham Lowdon, Cadillac’s team principal, which could influence negotiations.
• Mick Schumacher: With a couple of F1 seasons under his belt, Schumacher attended Cadillac’s Miami launch party, sparking rumors. He is a known quantity but remains an uncertain choice.
• Daniel Ricciardo: Although almost American by residence, Ricciardo is unlikely to pursue a seat with Cadillac.

Several current F1 drivers are out of contract for the 2026 season, including George Russell and Kimi Räikkönen, but neither is expected to join Cadillac, as it would represent a significant step backward. Other out-of-contract drivers such as Yuki Tsunoda and Alpine’s Franco Colapinto and Jack Doohan might be considered, but Alpine’s current struggles make it a less attractive option.

Among all these names, if one were to place bets, Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Drugovich are strong contenders. Both would see joining Cadillac as a step up, and Bottas’s experience could be crucial in helping the team develop its car. Winning races in the first few years is unlikely; the focus will be on simply finishing races and improving reliability.

Technical Partnerships and Car Development

Cadillac’s headquarters are in the United States, but the team currently operates several facilities around Silverstone, close to the UK’s iconic race track and near Aston Martin’s base. Their proximity to established F1 teams and infrastructure is a strategic advantage.

One of Cadillac’s key strengths is the backing of General Motors, a giant in automotive engineering with deep pockets and extensive resources. However, for their debut season in 2026, Cadillac will use Ferrari power units and gearboxes, similar to Haas and Sauber. This partnership will allow the team to focus on chassis development and race operations initially.

Looking further ahead, Cadillac plans to develop its own power units, signaling a long-term commitment to being a fully-fledged constructor in F1.

Marketing, Sponsorship, and Brand Strategy

The Cadillac F1 team held a high-profile launch weekend at the Miami Grand Prix, including a party at an upscale Japanese restaurant. While fans hoped for driver announcements or a reveal of the team livery, the event focused primarily on branding, showcasing the iconic Cadillac logo — a design inspired by the arms of Antoine Delamotte, Sieur de Cadiac, the French founder of Detroit.

Cadillac’s social media presence is still in its infancy, with just six posts on Instagram and limited website content. However, their Instagram account has already amassed around 800,000 followers, a solid base for a new team. This is still below the lowest current team, Sauber, with 2.8 million followers, and far from Ferrari’s massive 18.5 million, but it’s a promising start.

Cadillac’s primary sponsor to date is Tommy Hilfiger, a US clothing giant with extensive F1 experience. The team will undoubtedly seek additional sponsorship from major American companies eager to gain global exposure through Formula 1’s worldwide audience. At the same time, international firms will be keen to tap into Cadillac’s American fan base.

While sponsor fees for ad space on Cadillac’s car will be less expensive than those on Ferrari or Red Bull, the team’s prestige and GM’s financial muscle will attract significant investment. The recent surge in F1’s popularity in the US, bolstered by the success of the “F1” movie, will further enhance Cadillac’s appeal to sponsors.

Impact on the Formula 1 Grid and Fan Experience

The addition of Cadillac as the eleventh team will shake up the Formula 1 ecosystem, especially at race venues. Monaco, in particular, faces a logistical challenge, as its paddock is already cramped. Cadillac may need to use temporary hospitality suites similar to those at Suzuka, Singapore, or Australia. While this might be a disadvantage compared to teams with permanent motorhomes, it also opens opportunities for creative hospitality solutions.

Racing will also become more interesting with two additional cars on the track, increasing competition and strategic complexity. Moreover, Cadillac’s entry is expected to draw new audiences, boosting ticket demand and possibly driving up prices for hotels, flights, and tickets.

Looking Ahead: Cadillac’s Prospects and Expectations

Historically, new teams in Formula 1 rarely dominate immediately. The notable exception was Brawn GP in 2009, which won both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships in its debut season. Mercedes later acquired Brawn GP, becoming a dominant force in the sport. Cadillac’s journey may not be as meteoric, but with GM’s resources and strategic planning, they have the potential to grow into a competitive team over time.

For now, Cadillac’s main goals are clear:

1. Successfully get the car on track in 2026.
2. Focus on reliability to ensure consistent race finishes.
3. Gradually enhance performance and competitiveness.

Cadillac will start at the far end of the pit lane, as is customary for new teams. Despite their deep pockets, they will still need to secure robust sponsorship deals to support their growth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will Cadillac officially join Formula 1?

Cadillac is scheduled to join the Formula 1 grid for the 2026 season.

How many cars will Cadillac field on the grid?

Cadillac will field two cars, bringing the total number of cars on the grid to 22.

Who are the leading driver candidates for Cadillac?

Leading contenders include Valtteri Bottas, Felipe Drugovich, Sergio Perez, Zhou Guanyu, Mick Schumacher, and some American drivers like Colton Herta and Pato O’Ward, though the latter may not be in contention.

Will Cadillac develop their own engines?

Initially, Cadillac will use Ferrari power units and gearboxes for the 2026 season but plans to develop their own power units in the future.

Where is Cadillac’s F1 team based?

While Cadillac’s headquarters are in the US, their F1 operations are centered around Silverstone, UK, near the race track and other F1 teams.

How many people will Cadillac employ for their F1 team?

Cadillac plans to hire approximately 600 people, with around 105 attending races throughout the season.

What are Cadillac’s main goals for their F1 entry?

The primary goals are to get the car on track, focus on reliability, and then improve performance over time.

Conclusion

Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 in 2026 is a landmark moment, bringing fresh energy, American prestige, and deep automotive expertise to the grid. While the driver lineup remains speculative, the involvement of experienced figures like Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Drugovich appears promising. Supported by General Motors’ vast resources and strategic partnerships, Cadillac is poised to become a formidable presence, although immediate race wins are unlikely.

The team’s arrival will create new opportunities for fans, sponsors, and the sport itself, increasing competition and expanding Formula 1’s footprint in the United States. As the 2026 season approaches, the motorsport world eagerly awaits further announcements on drivers, technical developments, and the debut livery. Cadillac’s journey in F1 is just beginning, and it promises to be a fascinating chapter in the sport’s evolution.