Last Updated on November 23 2024, 9:42 pm
Formula 1 to expand grid with Cadillac F1 Team by 2026: a game-changer for the sport as Las Vegas is set to host big announcement – The Formula One grid, which currently consists of 10 teams, is poised to expand with the expected approval of an 11th team led by Michael Andretti.
The move, which could be announced as early as next week, marks a significant shift in the sport’s approach to growth and competition.
The new team, Cadillac F1, will debut in the 2026 season and will initially use Ferrari engines. By 2028, General Motors plans to field its own Cadillac-branded power unit, signalling a deeper commitment to the pinnacle of motorsport.
This potential expansion, timed to coincide with the Las Vegas Grand Prix, reflects the growing popularity of Formula One in the United States. But it also comes amid controversy, lobbying and changes within the management structure of Andretti Global.
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The long road to grid expansion
The decision to expand the grid represents a dramatic turnaround for Formula One. Initially, Michael Andretti’s bid to enter the series was met with considerable opposition, even after it was approved by the FIA, Formula One’s governing body. The opposition came mainly from the existing teams, who argued that an additional competitor would dilute the prize money and reduce the value of their investment.
Many team principals also suggested that Andretti should buy an existing team rather than create a new one. However, no teams were willing to sell and Andretti’s attempt to acquire Sauber in 2020 failed.
The impasse began to shift earlier this year when Andretti’s father, 1978 F1 World Champion Mario Andretti, took the fight to Washington, D.C., lobbying for support from US lawmakers.
These efforts triggered an investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) into Liberty Media, the commercial rights holder for Formula One, for alleged unfair practices. The DOJ is believed to have obtained a copy of a WhatsApp group chat between team principals that may contain evidence of coordinated opposition to the Andretti bid.
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General Motors takes centre stage
A key factor in the eventual approval of Andretti’s bid was the involvement of General Motors. GM’s decision to align its Cadillac brand with the effort has added weight and credibility to the proposal.
While Formula One initially urged GM to partner with an existing team rather than support Andretti’s bid, GM stood firm in its alliance with the American motorsport icon.
The Cadillac F1 team will have a separate identity from the Andretti Global name, which will remain associated with IndyCar. The team will be restructured under new leadership, with Dan Towriss and Mark Walter, a controlling owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, taking a majority stake. Michael Andretti will have a reduced role, with his father Mario acting as an ambassador for the team.
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Opposition and controversy: A “closed club”
The expansion of the F1 grid has been met with considerable opposition from existing teams and officials. Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault, publicly described F1 as a “closed club” in October, highlighting the exclusivity and lucrative nature of the series.
His comments reflected a wider sentiment within the paddock, with many stakeholders questioning Andretti’s ability to add value to the sport.
Formula One’s initial rejection of Andretti’s application included harsh criticism, suggesting that the team might struggle to be competitive and that the Andretti name did not carry the cachet that Michael Andretti claimed it did. These statements underscored the deeply personal nature of the opposition.
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The shift in power dynamics
One of the turning points in this saga was the impending resignation of Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei, who had been a vocal opponent of Andretti’s entry. Maffei’s decision to step down at the end of the year may have created an opening for the expansion of the grid to move forward.
In addition, the FIA, led by President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has consistently supported Andretti’s bid, further isolating the commercial arm of Formula One and the existing teams in their opposition.
The FIA’s support was based on the strength of Andretti’s application, which met all the necessary criteria for entry.
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The rise of Formula One in the United States
The timing of this announcement coincides with the booming popularity of Formula One in the US market. With three American races on the calendar – in Miami, Austin and Las Vegas – the country now hosts more Grand Prix events than any other nation.
This growth has been fuelled by the sport’s increased media presence, including the success of the Netflix series *Drive to Survive*.
Despite this surge in popularity, the only American team currently on the grid, Haas F1, has struggled to compete and lacks American drivers. Andretti’s vision was to create a truly American team, both in terms of ownership and driver representation.
Preparing for 2026 and beyond
The Cadillac F1 debut is still two years away, but preparations are well underway. Andretti has built a state-of-the-art facility in England and is assembling a team of engineers and other staff.
Vacancies for various roles have been advertised for months, signalling the team’s commitment to being race ready.
Although Michael Andretti has stepped back from the day-to-day running of the team, the foundation of the team remains tied to his vision. However, the focus is shifting to establishing Cadillac as a fully fledged manufacturer-led organisation, in line with Formula One’s push for greater manufacturer involvement.
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Challenges ahead
The approval of Cadillac’s F1 entry does not guarantee smooth sailing. The team will face the immense challenge of competing against established organisations with decades of experience. Questions also remain about Andretti’s commitment to his eponymous IndyCar team, especially after recent charter agreements suggested a shift in ownership.
The road to F1 has been anything but straightforward for Andretti and his partners. From lobbying in Washington to opposition within the paddock, the road has been marked by political manoeuvring and intense scrutiny.
But with General Motors and the Cadillac brand on board, the team’s prospects look brighter than ever.
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A new era for Formula One
If the grid expansion is confirmed, it will mark the beginning of a new era for Formula One. The addition of Cadillac F1 brings a renewed focus on American involvement in the sport, from ownership to engineering to driver representation.
It also underlines the global appeal of Formula One as it continues to evolve and balance tradition with growth and innovation.
As F1 prepares for its flagship event in Las Vegas, the announcement of a new team could overshadow the glitz and glamour of the race itself. For fans and stakeholders alike, the arrival of Cadillac F1 represents a bold step into the future of the sport.
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With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
