General Motors (GM) took a groundbreaking step on Monday, making waves in American motorsports with its announcement of an “agreement in principle” to join the Formula One grid in 2026. Operating under the Cadillac brand, this development signals the first expansion beyond the current 10-team grid since 2016. If finalized, GM will initially operate as a customer team, sourcing engines from an existing manufacturer before transitioning into a full works team by the decade’s end.
While American involvement in F1 isn’t new—Ford left in 2004 but is set to return in 2026 with Red Bull, and Haas currently represents the U.S.—GM’s approach promises to be different. Unlike Haas, which operates primarily out of Europe, Cadillac F1 is positioning itself as a genuinely American team, with operations spread across Fishers, Indiana; Warren, Michigan; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Silverstone, England. This alignment with U.S. motorsport hubs reflects GM’s intent to capture the American spirit while competing on a global stage.
The timing of GM’s entry aligns with a surge in U.S. interest in F1, fueled by Liberty Media’s acquisition in 2017 and the Netflix series Drive to Survive. Recent additions of U.S.-based races in Miami and Las Vegas further signify F1’s American expansion. GM’s involvement could strengthen this momentum, especially if it succeeds in fielding an American driver, an aspect emphasized during its initial bid. Names like Logan Sargeant, Jak Crawford, and Colton Herta have surfaced as possibilities, alongside experienced international drivers like Valtteri Bottas and Kevin Magnussen.
Success on track will be critical. Haas, the only other U.S. team, has struggled to capture fans’ imagination, with zero podiums and minimal points since joining in 2016. In contrast, GM boasts a rich motorsport history, including dominance in NASCAR and wins at Le Mans. With Cadillac branding, GM hopes to replicate this success in F1, potentially challenging rival Ford, which will serve as a technical partner but not a team owner.
As Italy rallies behind Ferrari, GM aims to become America’s Team, providing a unifying identity for U.S. fans. By combining its motorsport pedigree with a truly American presence, Cadillac F1 could redefine F1’s relationship with its growing American audience.
