Cadillac, Formula 1's newest entrant, has shown ambition by unveiling its livery during the Super Bowl and assembling a team of over 500 staff. Backed by TWG Motorsports and General Motors, the American squad features experienced drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez. Despite meeting tight deadlines, significant challenges remain in its maiden season.
Cadillac's entry into Formula 1 as the 11th team marks the series' first expansion in a decade, confirmed in November 2024. The team has moved swiftly, establishing a European base in Silverstone and a state-of-the-art headquarters in Fishers, Indiana. Recruitment efforts have yielded a headcount exceeding 500, including multiple race winners Valtteri Bottas from Mercedes and Sergio Perez from Red Bull, bringing crucial expertise.
The squad has adhered to internal timelines, becoming one of the first to complete laps with its 2026 car. During a shakedown in Barcelona, it logged 164 laps, with further testing planned in Bahrain over the next two weeks. Powered by Ferrari units and gearboxes, Cadillac's chassis competitiveness remains unproven amid the sport's new regulations.
Team principal Graeme Lowdon emphasized the tight schedules: "We were up against super tight timelines. But I'm really proud that the team has hit every single one. And I've said before with confidence that we're a team that's on schedule and we remain on schedule, which I think is a huge achievement for everyone in the team."
Looking ahead, Lowdon avoided specific constructor standings goals, calling the 2026 season a "voyage into the unknown" due to revamped power units and racing dynamics. He stressed a transparent, no-blame culture: "I think this is a team game. And the key about team games is to instil absolute honesty within the team with honest feedback. If we make mistakes somewhere, these mistakes can happen. We're all in together. We help each other. That's how the best teams work."
Cadillac aims to demonstrate seriousness from the outset, learning through analysis and unity as it prepares for the Australian Grand Prix grid.