Cadillac are 14 months away from seeing their cars hit the Formula 1 grid after agreeing a deal to become the sport’s 11th team.
The pinnacle of motorsport has not seen more than 10 items on the grid since 2016 when Manor dropped out of the sport.
Andretti were close to becoming the 11th squad but Formula One Management (FOM) rejected their application in 2024 for 2025 and 2026, citing they would not provide sporting or commercial value to F1.
General Motors still wanted to be on the grid in some capacity and subsequently took over the failed Andretti bid through Cadillac. GM have agreed a deal that will see the American brand in the sport from 2026.
Cadillac will run with Ferrari engines in their first two seasons in F1 before they supply their own power unit in 2028. The team have already made huge strides off the track to prepare for their entry, with Graeme Lowdon being appointed as team principal and Mario Andretti staying on as a director.
FIA say the budget cap will apply to Cadillac the moment their 2026 application is finalised
As their supposed entry nears closer, excitement is building for Cadillac’s arrival to F1. But as per a report from Auto Motor und Sport, the team still has ‘one hurdle to overcome’.
Cadillac still have ‘no official entry’ for the 2026 season, with the FIA currently through the application documents from the team’s data.
READ MORE: All to know about General Motors’ Cadillac F1 team from engine to drivers
It is ‘assured’ that the process will be finalised before the start of the 2025 season, which will allow Cadillac to worry about other pressing matters such as their drivers and the budget cap.
The 2024 teams had to operate within a budget of $145 million (roughly £108 million) to design and manufacture their cars. Driver salaries, marketing, driver training and engineer recruitment are not included in the spending cap.
The report states that the FIA have confirmed that the budget cap will apply to Cadillac ‘from the moment their application for the 2026 season is finalised’.
Who are the favourites to drive for Cadillac in F1?
Understandably, the main topic surrounding Cadillac is which two drivers will race for the team in 2025. Andretti has said he wants an American driver in the team, with several names being mentioned.
Colton Herta is the standout favourite given his connections to the team through Andretti in IndyCar. Cadillac could pay a rival team to test Herta to address the issue of him not currently having enough superlicense points.
Kyle Kirkwood has emerged as a potential candidate alongside Herta through his IndyCar performances. Jak Crawford may receive a ‘golden ticket’ to join Cadillac if he impresses in F2 this season.
Cadillac have already held talks with Valtteri Bottas as the team look to have an experienced driver alongside an American. Sergio Perez is also an option following his Red Bull exit and would provide significant commercial value given his support in North America.
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