Cadillac has released a behind-the-scenes video explaining the creation of its Formula 1 livery reveal, which debuted during the Super Bowl ahead of the 2026 season. The production used virtual studio techniques to highlight the team's American roots and journey to the grid. Team leaders expressed satisfaction with recent testing progress in Bahrain.
Cadillac, set to enter Formula 1 as the 11th team in 2026 with backing from General Motors, unveiled its first livery through a high-profile Super Bowl advertisement. The reveal video, produced in a virtual production studio akin to that used for Disney's The Mandalorian, featured a massive screen that projected dynamic backgrounds with realistic lighting and reflections on the car.
CEO Dan Towriss described the project as "the biggest underdog story you could imagine." He noted that the team aimed to present the livery on the biggest stage in an unprecedented way. The video incorporated President John F. Kennedy's 1962 moon landing speech to emphasize Cadillac's American identity.
Director Sam Pilling sought a "future-facing" feel that captured the "blood, sweat, and tears" of the team's entry process. VFX supervisor Andrew Proctor stressed the importance of in-camera elements and accuracy for F1 fans, given the sport's detail-oriented nature.
Towriss estimated the advert's cost at around $20 million, adding that the team anticipates breaking even on operations in its third year. He stated, “It's probably a couple of years before on an operating basis the team would be in the black or breaking even on a cash basis,” but noted they are ahead of projections.
Pilling concluded that the video aims to generate excitement for Cadillac's F1 entry and instill pride in American fans. Separately, team principal James Lowdon described the initial Bahrain preseason test as "very productive," with the team expressing happiness over the progress made during the three-day session at Sakhir.
