Formula 1 has officially announced an agreement in principle with General Motors to introduce an 11th team to the grid for the 2026 season, marking a significant milestone for the sport. The new team, likely branded as Cadillac, will be the first U.S.-based entrant since Haas debuted in 2016.

This development comes after F1 initially rejected a joint bid by Andretti Global and General Motors earlier this year. The original proposal faced resistance from F1 teams, who expressed concerns about revenue dilution and questioned the viability of Andretti’s leadership. However, General Motors’ persistence and commitment to the project have paid off, leading to the green light for a standalone GM-Cadillac entry.

A New Era for U.S. Representation in F1

The Cadillac-branded team will operate out of a state-of-the-art facility near Silverstone, originally established under Andretti Global’s leadership. GM has also committed to developing its own power unit in the future, though the team will rely on a customer engine deal for its debut season and potentially 2027.

Liberty Media, F1’s owners, expressed enthusiasm for the move, particularly given the sport’s surging popularity in the U.S. “This partnership brings additional value and interest to the sport as we expand our presence in the American market,” said Greg Maffei, Liberty Media’s outgoing CEO.

Industry Milestones and Future Impact

General Motors President Mark Reuss hailed the opportunity as a testament to GM’s engineering prowess. “Formula 1 demands boundary-pushing innovation. Cadillac’s entry represents a commitment to excellence and a chance to showcase our technology on a global stage,” Reuss remarked.

The addition of an 11th team will create opportunities for new and existing drivers, sparking speculation about whether Cadillac might field an American driver to solidify its connection to U.S. fans.

Looking Ahead

As the countdown to the 2026 season begins, GM’s entry could herald a new chapter for Formula 1, bolstering its American fanbase and bringing fresh competition to the grid. With Cadillac poised to showcase its engineering innovation, the sport’s landscape is set for a transformative period.