Cadillac is set to join the pinnacle of motorsport in 2026. The American icon has spent the past few years trying its utmost to revamp its reputation and customer base, as most people buying Cadillacs are on the older side of Father Time. One way of reinvigorating their reputation is to join the Formula 1 world, which they now have clearance to do in 2026. The American fans of Formula 1 have been begging for a team to represent them, as the American public is warming to the sport following a successful race in Miami. How will Cadillac compete against the likes of McLaren and Mercedes at the top of the pile?
Cadillac fans eagerly await the American icon’s entry into Formula 1
Cadillac’s arrival in Formula One next year as an 11th team will bring added financial value with new partners and more fan engagement rather than diluting resources, according to McLaren’s American chief executive, Zak Brown. The General Motors-backed team has taken staff already from rival outfits, their European headquarters at Silverstone being close to other factories, and is also competing for sponsorship.
Brown, whose team is dominating this year’s championship after winning the 2024 constructors’ title, saw no reason to fear a dilution of resources, however. “I think on employees, they are definitely going to take a lot more than they give, which is fine,” he said at last weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix. McLaren dominated with a one-two finish thanks to Lando Norris and the F1 drivers’ championship leader, Oscar Piastri.
“My general view is if someone wants to go work for a rival team, then shame on me. For sponsors, I think they’ll bring more new to the table than take.” – McLaren’s American chief executive, Zak Brown
Zak Brown expects great things from Cadillac joining Formula 1
Brown expected Cadillac also to bring more competition eventually, although they faced a tough challenge as newcomers, and more fans to a series that now has three U.S. rounds and a growing audience in America. “Will we get a better U.S. TV deal, more American presence? I think their sponsors and Cadillac will spend money in the sport, the teams get a percentage of that, so I see them as a value add to the sport,” he added.
“I’m not worried about maybe some of the short term-ness of they are going to take an employee here or there or poach a sponsor here or there. I think the contribution will be bigger than that.” – Zak Brown
Cadillac secured approval of their bid in March, after a 764-day entry process and initial opposition from Formula One and the other 10 teams, wary of a potential reduction in the share of revenues. The team is also backed by TWG Global, whose CEO Mark Walter has an estimated net worth of $12.5 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Can the American team compete with the likes of McLaren and Red Bull, who have a new boss at the helm?
The Cadillac Formula 1 team holds the hopes of a nation in its hands
The first new team since U.S.-owned Haas debuted in 2016 said in July they were already two-thirds of the way towards a targeted headcount of 600 by next season and no longer even the smallest outfit. Brown has been full of praise for his team following their historic win at the Hungarian Grand Prix. The Formula 1 world is welcoming the entry of Cadillac as the team brings renewed excitement to the sport. Cadillac has the backing of one of the most enigmatic sports owners in history in Mark Walter, who recently acquired the Los Angeles Lakers in yet another bank-breaking deal.
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