Formula One continues to expand its reach into new areas and partnerships, and its latest development could be a game changer. General Motors (GM), through its Cadillac brand, has finalised a deal to enter the premier class of motorsport in 2026.
The venture, in partnership with Andretti Global, revives their long-standing interest in joining the Formula One grid. As the project takes shape, racing legend Mario Andretti has confirmed that an American IndyCar driver remains a strong contender for a seat in the new team.
A new chapter for General Motors and Cadillac in Formula One
The announcement marks a significant milestone in the expansion of Formula One in the United States as GM and Cadillac look to become a competitive force on the grid.
Earlier this year, Andretti and Cadillac suffered a setback when their initial proposal to enter Formula One was rejected. However, the determination of both parties to enter the sport has paid off and discussions have gained momentum throughout the year.
Shortly after the high-profile weekend of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Formula One confirmed that an agreement in principle had been reached with GM. The deal not only underlines the growing popularity of Formula One in North America, but also brings one of America’s most iconic car brands to the global stage.
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Drivers react to Cadillac’s entry
The announcement of Cadillac’s imminent arrival has caused quite a stir among current Formula One drivers. During the Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend, Alfa Romeo driver Valtteri Bottas expressed interest in joining the team, highlighting the appeal of being part of a new, ambitious project.
Andretti acknowledged the excitement surrounding the team’s entry and commented on the talent pool available: “There are more drivers available than teams at the moment,
“Ten teams sounds like a lot, but there are a lot more drivers and a lot of untapped talent. From our point of view, I think we’ll start with an experienced driver, nationality doesn’t matter, and a young American talent,
“Those are the goals at the moment.”
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Colton Herta on Cadillac’s radar: “Definitely someone we’re considering”
Mario Andretti, a legendary figure in the world of motorsport, has been appointed to play a key role in the Cadillac-Andretti project. His wealth of experience, both as a driver and as a team ambassador, positions him as a crucial figure in shaping the future of the team.
Speaking to NBC News about the development of the team, Andretti shared his thoughts on the type of drivers they are considering for the inaugural season.
When asked specifically about Colton Herta, a highly regarded talent in the IndyCar series, Andretti was clear: “At this point, I think so. You’re talking about candidates, and he’s definitely somebody we’re going to look at. I think you have to keep your options open as we go into a season where we’re not competing.”
Herta, who has already demonstrated his ability in the competitive IndyCar series, represents an appealing blend of youth, talent and potential marketability in the USA, a key demographic for Cadillac and Formula One’s continued growth.
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Colton Herta: A rising star with F1 ambitions
Colton Herta has long been considered a natural candidate for a Formula One seat, especially with the sport’s growing presence in the United States.
The 23-year-old Californian has already made waves in IndyCar, becoming the youngest race winner in the series’ history at the age of 18. Known for his raw speed, composure under pressure and aggressive racing style, Herta has cemented his reputation as one of the brightest American racing talents of his generation.
Herta was previously linked with a move to F1 when McLaren showed interest in securing him a super-licence to race for their team. However, regulatory hurdles and timing issues prevented the deal from going through. Now, with Cadillac’s entry into F1, Herta’s path to the grid could become clearer.
For Cadillac and Andretti, Herta’s entry would not only bring a talented driver into the fold, but also resonate with the growing American fan base. His presence would mark the return of a full-time American driver to Formula One, a milestone not seen since Alexander Rossi’s brief stint in 2015.
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Building a competitive team
Cadillac’s ambitions go beyond simply competing in F1. They want to build a competitive team capable of challenging the established order. To achieve this, the team is likely to pursue a mix of seasoned experience and youthful potential in its driver line-up.
Andretti’s comments suggest that the team is casting a wide net in its search for talent.
While Herta remains a strong contender, the team may also consider established F1 drivers who can provide valuable experience in car development and race strategy. This two-pronged approach mirrors the philosophy of other successful teams, combining the reliability of seasoned professionals with the energy and hunger of emerging talent.
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Formula 1’s growing American presence
The partnership between Cadillac and Andretti underlines the rapid expansion of Formula One in the United States. The addition of high-profile races in Miami, Austin and Las Vegas has significantly increased the sport’s visibility and fan engagement in North America.
With Netflix’s *Drive to Survive* playing a key role in popularising the sport, Formula One has successfully tapped into the American market like never before.
Cadillac’s entry into F1 further cements this growth and demonstrates the sport’s ability to attract global automotive giants. For GM, the move represents an opportunity to broaden the brand’s global appeal while demonstrating its technological prowess on one of the world’s most demanding stages.
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Challenges ahead
Despite the excitement surrounding Cadillac’s entry, the team faces significant challenges. Building a Formula One team from scratch requires immense financial resources, technical expertise and infrastructure. With the 2026 season bringing new regulations focused on sustainability and cost control, Cadillac will need to adapt quickly to meet the evolving demands of the sport.
Competition is also fierce. Established teams such as Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari have decades of experience and championship-winning pedigrees.
For Cadillac, the early years are likely to be focused on building a solid foundation with the aim of becoming competitive in the medium to long term.
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The road to 2026
As the countdown to 2026 begins, the Cadillac-Andretti project will continue to take shape. From finalising the driver line-up to developing a car that meets the sport’s stringent technical standards, the team has a lot of work to do. However, with Mario Andretti’s leadership and GM’s resources, the project looks very promising.
For American fans, the prospect of seeing a home-grown team in Formula One – and possibly a driver like Colton Herta – adds an exciting new dimension to the sport. As Cadillac prepares to make its mark, all eyes will be on their progress over the coming years.
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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.
We HAVE an American team. Haas, underwritten by a man raised on NASCAR. Mind you, I am fine with Cadillac and the Andrettis, but Gene Haas founded the first American team. Meanwhile, I’d like to see Bottas there, and Herta is significantly better than Sargent.
Carl Haas not Gene.
In the 80’s.
Headliner!
All I read is “contender”, “considering”…
Effing journalist’s!
What a crappy story. The title should have been, “Cadillac F1’s first driver possibly named”. They didn’t actually name an F1 driver. They said they were considering naming Colton Herta. The Judge13 is a crappy website. I won’t read this website again. I desire REAL F1 news, not fictionalized F1 news.