The Cadillac Formula 1 team has chosen to limit its use of Ferrari parts beyond power units and gearboxes, aiming for greater autonomy in its debut seasons. This approach differs from that of fellow Ferrari customer Haas, which relies more heavily on Maranello's components. Cadillac's strategy supports its long-term goal of developing its own engines by 2029.
The Cadillac Formula 1 team, backed by General Motors, will enter the series in 2026 using Ferrari power units for its first three seasons, as its in-house engine project is not expected before 2029. The team has also adopted Ferrari gearboxes but has deliberately avoided purchasing additional components permitted under technical regulations, such as the full rear end assembly.
Engineering consultant Pat Symonds explained this decision, emphasizing the importance of controlling the team's development path. "The thing that we've perhaps done a little bit differently to, let's say, the last new team that came in, is that I think we're great believers in the fact that we should be in charge of our own destiny and that we are a works team – we're heading to be a works team," Symonds said. He noted that Cadillac developed its own gearbox carrier and rear suspension to better understand and advance its design philosophy. "It's hard to progress someone else's philosophical design unless you understand all the nuances that go with it," he added.
In contrast, Haas, the most recent newcomer before Cadillac, bases much of its VF-26 car on Ferrari parts, including the power unit, transmission, suspensions, steering, and steering wheel.
Meanwhile, Cadillac's power unit program for 2029 is progressing well. Team CEO Dan Towriss described it as "ahead of schedule, actually." The project will develop independent intellectual property, separate from the Ferrari partnership. "We're going to be a customer team of Ferrari while we're building our PUs, and that's going to be GM work," Towriss stated, adding that the team is monitoring future engine regulations closely.
