Cadillac Prepares for Formula 1 Entry with Red-Carpet Launch

MIAMI, Florida — Cadillac is gearing up for its official Formula 1 entry with a star-studded launch event set for Saturday night after the sprint race at the Miami Grand Prix. This launch marks a significant milestone for the all-American marque as it aims to compete as the 11th team in the 2026 racing season.

Team Principal Graeme Lowdon, who has been instrumental in the project, emphasizes the urgency and meticulous planning required as the team approaches the race day. “We have a countdown clock in every office showing days, hours, minutes, and seconds to our first grand prix,” said Lowdon. “We don’t want to be in a position where there’s some mad panic at the end.”

Lowdon, 60, brings significant experience to the table. He was part of the Manor F1 team during its entry in 2010 and is keen to avoid the pitfalls of assembling a team from scratch. The Cadillac project, which took root in August 2022, has seen a rapid recruitment drive with new hires, averaging one per day, complementing existing facilities in Silverstone and Charlotte, North Carolina.

“It’s a huge testament to the owners,” Lowdon noted. The recruitment has included industry veterans such as Jon Tomlinson from Williams as the head of aerodynamics and Nick Chester, previously with Renault, as technical director. “We were building the team while still unsure of our entry, and that’s a commitment.”

Cadillac plans to use Ferrari engines initially but has confirmed intentions to develop its own engine by 2029. The team is focusing on finalizing its car design, with a countdown also ticking for the build and fire-up of the car.

As Cadillac eyes potential drivers, the team remains tight-lipped about negotiations, though speculation suggests a strong desire for an American driver. Colton Herta, an IndyCar driver, and experienced F1 pilot Sergio Pérez are among the names considered. “We’ll select drivers on merit,” Lowdon stated. “Having a U.S. driver is something we are committed to, but it needs to be the right fit.”

Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 reflects a broader strategy to elevate the brand’s presence globally, particularly in the U.S. market, which Lowdon believes holds the potential for a vibrant fanbase. “The first race of next year we need to be on the grid,” he affirmed. “We can’t just show up later and expect everything to be fine.”