Cadillac Plans American Formula 1 Team Debut Melbourne 2026

Cadillac is set to make its Formula One debut in 2026, marking a significant new chapter for General Motors as it joins the F1 grid with a uniquely American approach. The team, led by British principal Graeme Lowdon, operates from Fishers, Indiana, with a secondary design hub in Silverstone, UK, blending American innovation with British expertise. Lowdon, describing his role as an “inverse Ted Lasso,” emphasizes diversity of thought and innovation, drawing management inspiration from NASA’s Apollo missions to handle the complexities of F1’s technical demands and tight deadlines. Despite challenges including leadership changes, prolonged negotiations, and a U.S. Justice Department investigation, Cadillac aims to stand out by building a team outside the traditional European F1 hubs and focusing on a fresh management structure that maximizes peer-to-peer communication among engineers. The team plans to debut with Ferrari-built engines initially and expects to benefit from the 2026 regulations overhaul, which could disrupt established team hierarchies. Cadillac's entry is seen as a bold move to establish a truly American presence in F1, promising technological innovation and a new cultural impact on the sport.