The Journey to Formula 1: A Long-Awaited Dream Realized
The path to entering Formula 1 has been a long and arduous one for the Andretti organization. After months of negotiations and planning, the team finally secured its deal around the Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend, a momentous occasion that marked the beginning of a new chapter. The rebranded Cadillac team, with full works backing from General Motors and a state-of-the-art headquarters in Silverstone, is now poised to enter the 2026 Formula 1 season as the sport’s 11th team. Michael Andretti, who initially spearheaded the effort, stepped back to allow Mario Andretti, the 1978 Formula 1 world champion, to take the helm. The challenges ahead are enormous, but the team’s resolve and the early groundwork laid in Silverstone under the leadership of former Manor team boss Graeme Lowdon have set a solid foundation.
Taking Risks and Believing in the Vision
In a candid interview with Motorsport.com, Mario Andretti emphasized that the team will have to take significant risks to ensure their readiness for the 2026 season. Despite the uncertainty that shrouded the project for a while, the team pressed on with hiring a roster of experienced individuals, including F1 tech chief and engineering consultant Pat Symonds. They also ran 2026 car models at Toyota’s wind tunnel in Cologne, demonstrating a proactive approach to development. "We’ll be ready. Everyone knows what the responsibility is and there’s no question about it," Andretti stated. "This has been in the planning all along. When you believe in a project and the people around you, taking risks becomes a necessity. The team’s positive ambiance and the faith in our vision are what have kept us going."
Leveraging Early Advantages
One of the key advantages Cadillac has is the ability to continue development without being constrained by the 2026 regulations until 1 January 2024. This window of opportunity allows the team to explore areas that would otherwise be off-limits, potentially giving them a leg up when the competition enters the fray. "When we were not officially involved, we could delve into areas that otherwise you could not," Andretti explained. "The regulations for 2026 are a clean sheet of paper, and this is probably the best time to enter such a challenging series. We have a better chance of being on par with the experienced teams, and this is crucial for our success."
Building a Competitive Line-Up
Cadillac has set a mid-year target to finalize its driver line-up, a decision that will be pivotal for the team’s performance in 2026. IndyCar runner-up Colton Herta is currently at the top of their list, provided he scores the necessary eight points in 2025 through his IndyCar campaign and F1 free practice outings to qualify for an FIA superlicence. Pairing an American driver with an experienced F1 veteran is a strategic move aimed at blending fresh talent with seasoned expertise. "It’s clear that the objectives are to have at least one American driver and another experienced driver alongside," Andretti said. "Colton has shown immense potential, and his background, from Formula 3 with the likes of Lando Norris, to his F1 test at Portimao, makes him a strong candidate."
Potential Veteran Drivers
The search for an established F1 veteran is ongoing, and some of the names being considered include former Red Bull racer Sergio Perez and Mercedes reserve Valtteri Bottas. Both drivers bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record in the sport, which could be invaluable for a new team. "There are many considerations. If you even read on social media, people are just floating around certain names and so forth," Andretti acknowledged. "But we are looking at every aspect of every opportunity. Having a mix of young, promising talent and seasoned drivers will be crucial for our growth and performance."
The Ambition and the Vision
Mario Andretti’s confidence in the team’s capabilities is palpable, and his ambition is clear. He believes that the combination of early development, strategic planning, and the right drivers will set Cadillac on a path to respectability and, ultimately, competitiveness. "All of this has to be proven, of course, but going in I think he’s a good bet in my opinion," Andretti said about Colton Herta. "The team’s spirit and the support from General Motors are what drive us. We’re not just entering to participate; we’re entering to make a mark and to succeed. The coming months will be crucial, and we are prepared to take whatever steps are necessary to achieve our goals."
The Cadillac team’s journey to Formula 1 is a testament to the power of perseverance and the willingness to take risks. With a solid team structure, early development efforts, and a strategic approach to building a competitive line-up, they are poised to make a significant impact when they finally hit the track in 2026.
