F1 news: American grit and the beginning of Cadillac in Formula 1

Time is drawing ever closer to Cadillac’s arrival in Formula 1.

F1 has not had 12 teams since 2012, and the current 10 teams have made up the grid since 2017, albeit with name changes to some teams.

Now, another American team is preparing to make their debut for the 2026 season, writes Sports News Blitz’s Ellie Man.

About Cadillac Formula 1 Team

Backed by TWG Motorsports and General Motors, Cadillac will be the newest entry to Formula 1 - and the last addition in 10 years.

Similar to Haas, Cadillac has three sites of operations and works from bases in Indiana, North Carolina and Silverstone.

Marking a major expansion of U.S. involvement in the sport, the organisation seeks to showcase American engineering and technology capabilities to the rest of the world.

With focus, determination and innovation, the team is building the foundations to challenge the other established constructors and make their mark in F1.

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An experienced duo

The launch of the new team will see the return of two experienced Formula 1 drivers, Valtteri Bottas and Sergio “Checo” Perez.

Bottas previously commented: "From the moment I began speaking with the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, I felt something different - something ambitious but also grounded.

“This isn’t just a racing project; it’s a long-term vision. It's not every day that you get a chance to be part of something being built from the ground up and helping shape it into something that truly belongs on the F1 grid.”

Perez also stated: “From our first conversations, I could sense the passion and determination behind this project.

“It's an honour to be part of building a team that can develop together so that, in time, we will fight at the very front.

“Cadillac is a legendary name in American motorsport, and to help bring such a fantastic company to Formula 1 is a huge responsibility, one I’m confident of taking on.

“I’m proud to be part of such an ambitious and meaningful project from the very beginning. 

“I’m really pleased to be part of such a dynamic line-up, and together I believe we can help shape this team into a real contender, the team of the Americas.”

A growing project attracting global talent

The historic introduction of a new team and the unique opportunity to shape both ideas and development from the very beginning have been a large source of appeal, bringing in many high-profile hires from across the world of motorsports.

This includes the likes of new Team Principal Graeme Lowden, who was previously chief at the Virgin and Marussia Formula 1 teams; Executive Engineering Consultant Pat Symonds, who is a veteran engineer with a career in the sport spanning three decades; and Test Driver Colton Herta, who is making the shift over from IndyCar after securing nine wins and breaking the record to be the youngest driver to win an IndyCar Series race at the age of 18.

With emphasis on remaining true to their heritage, the organisation has already begun fostering a strong team identity, including aligning the team’s vision with American innovation and competitiveness.

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Preparations for debut 

Cadillac is set to compete in F1 using a Ferrari power unit until their own engines, produced by General Motors, are approved for racing.

As a result, Checo has recently completed testing in a blacked-out SF-23, getting a personal feel for the car’s behaviour and dynamics, alongside gathering baseline performance data for the team.

With a lack of pre-existing data of their own, Cadillac are currently undergoing extensive simulator test runs to build initial performance models and predict how the car will behave on track.

While such heavy reliance on simulator data is not ideal, this approach will allow the team to accelerate development and refine their inaugural car.

This groundwork will also allow for further technical improvements in the long run, encouraging progress for future seasons and shaping the foundations of a competitive car.

Therefore, these tests aim to reduce the gap to the rest of the grid. 

Additionally, the Cadillac team has undergone crash tests, mimicking the potential events of a race, to ensure all processes are fast and precise as the operation continues to grow and advance.

With three worldwide locations, clear and accurate communications are essential to coordinate development, manage logistics and avoid delays in both the car and the team’s evolution.

This unified strategy is critical as the team pushes toward its first race, and every department must work seamlessly together to deliver results ahead of upcoming tight deadlines.

From here, it is simply a countdown to pre-season testing and the start of a new era for Cadillac.

The 2026 F1 season will begin with the Australian Grand Prix, taking place from March 6-8, and all eyes will be on Cadillac to see how the whole team fares in this new venture.

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