General Motors' Cadillac brand is set to enter Formula One as the 11th team in 2026, with experienced drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez at the helm. The team will initially use Ferrari power units while building its own infrastructure across the US and Europe. A new merchandise collaboration with Tommy Hilfiger highlights the growing American presence in the sport.
For decades, American involvement in Formula One has been limited, but Cadillac's entry in 2026 marks a significant shift. The team, backed by General Motors, will operate from a headquarters in Fishers, Indiana, and a European base in Silverstone, blending trans-Atlantic expertise. Unlike the Haas team, which depends heavily on Ferrari, Cadillac aims to leverage its manufacturing capabilities fully, starting with a Ferrari power unit in a Cadillac chassis this year before developing its own powertrain by the end of the decade.
The driver lineup features Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, who together have over 500 grand prix starts and 16 race wins. Their experience from Mercedes and Red Bull will help build the team from the ground up, focusing on structure and processes amid the new 2026 regulations emphasizing aerodynamics.
The US market is primed for this expansion, with last year's races averaging 1.32 million viewers. Exclusive broadcast rights shifting to Apple from ESPN will further align F1 with American audiences. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali welcomed the move, stating, "The commitment by General Motors to bring a Cadillac team to Formula 1 was an important and positive demonstration of the evolution of our sport."
FIA President Mohamed Ben Sulayem added, "The Cadillac Formula 1 Team’s presence in the paddock will inspire future competitors and fans. Their entry strengthens our mission to push motorsport’s boundaries at the highest level."
Adding to the excitement, Cadillac has partnered with Tommy Hilfiger for exclusive merchandise launching on February 5, 2026, just before the team's livery reveal. This collaboration underscores F1's broadening appeal in the United States, potentially sparking greater competition on the grid.