Formula 1 Considers Adding 11th Team with Cadillac Entry for 2026

The world of Formula 1 is abuzz with the prospect of the grid expanding to include an 11th team, potentially as early as next week. According to reports, General Motors, through its Cadillac brand, plans to make an entrance into the sport by 2026, utilizing Ferrari engines for its initial seasons. Sources close to the development have communicated this information to the Associated Press under conditions of anonymity, as an official announcement might shadow the prestigious Las Vegas Grand Prix event.

The initiative is rooted in an effort led by Michael Andretti, as part of Andretti Global’s push to join the Formula 1 grid. Initial resistance came from the existing ten F1 teams due to concerns about prize money dilution and the significant investment already made within the circuit. The Andretti-led proposal faced hurdles, with arguments that acquiring an existing team would be a preferable entry method. Nonetheless, no teams have been available for purchase.

Efforts to gain support for the endeavor included lobbying by 1978 F1 champion Mario Andretti in Washington, D.C., earlier this year. It’s reported that part of his advocacy led to questioning why the American-owned Liberty Media was hesitant to approve the team’s entry. Notably, the Andretti-led attempts found themselves amid a broader U.S. Department of Justice investigation concerning the F1 entry process and potential anti-competitive practices.

The organizational adjustments in the Andretti camp saw Michael Andretti stepping back to allow Dan Towriss and Mark Walter to take majority control, which played a role in reviving Cadillac’s aspirations. The prospect of an American team with distinct national branding aims to appeal further to the growing U.S. F1 fanbase, which now supports three significant races on the calendar: Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas.

In response to the ongoing developments, Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner acknowledged the buzz around a potential new entrant, highlighting the excitement such a move could bring. «There’s a lot of rumors; nobody’s spoken to us about it, but who knows. For an American team, it would be positive,» Horner told Sky Sports F1. However, Horner also pointed out logistical challenges and potential impacts on prize distribution among teams.

Current F1 regulations and commercial agreements require approval from both the FIA and F1’s commercial rights holders for new entries, considering financial implications and logistical accommodations, such as garage space at international circuits. Despite these challenges, the introduction of Cadillac into Formula 1 could offer a dynamic shift in the sport’s dynamics, providing a new narrative for both teams and fans alike.