Although the 2025 Formula 1 season hasn’t even started yet, intrigue is already building for the next campaign.
Formula 1 introduce new regulations in 2026 that will either level the playing field or give one team a distinct advantage over their rivals if they understand the ruleset better than anyone else.
Aston Martin will hope that they stand out at the front of the field having signed Adrian Newey among a host of top backroom talent to work in their new state-of-the-art factory.
Ferrari have signed Lewis Hamilton to partner Charles Leclerc in the hopes that they can return the Scuderia to their former glory.
All eyes are on Max Verstappen amid interest from Aston Martin and other teams to see if he will stick with Red Bull with their reign of dominance coming to an end last year despite the Dutchman winning his fourth title.
However, another reason to get excited about 2026 is the introduction of two new names to the grid.
Audi will take over the current Sauber outfit but have to hope that they improve over the next 12 months after finishing last in the constructors’ championship in 2024.
The other new name is Cadillac, which will become the 11th team in the paddock and the first new constructor to enter Formula 1 since Haas in 2016.
Although their official entry in F1 hasn’t been finalised yet, it’s expected to be confirmed in the very near future.
They’ve got plenty of work to do before they line up on the grid for the very first time in 2026, but according to the German outlet Auto Motor und Sport, the other 10 teams in the paddock are already unhappy with them.
F1 teams unhappy with Cadillac entry fee ahead of the 2026 season
According to the current Concorde Agreement, any new team entering Formula 1 has to pay around £160m which is then split amongst the other manufacturers in the paddock.
New teams typically have to forego any prize money in their first season regardless of where they finish in the standings.
This is done to try and avoid teams quickly entering F1, benefitting from the millions that can be made simply from finishing last in the championship and then moving on, although the sport is so lucrative right now that it’s unlikely that any team would be interested in doing this.
READ MORE: One Formula 1 team’s existence could be threatened under next Concorde Agreement
It’s now expected that a new Concorde Agreement will increase how much Cadillac have to spend to enter F1.
AMuS report that the fee will likely be roughly £360m [$450m] although it’s been suggested that the other 10 teams in the paddock still don’t believe this is enough compensation.
Their prize money will be diluted by the introduction of an 11th team, but if Cadillac can inspire a surge in American interest in F1, then they’ll quickly make up for any loss of income.
Cadillac need to decide 2026 driver line-up sooner rather than later
It’s expected that this year’s driver market will be a lot calmer than all the changes that have taken place this winter.
Teams don’t want to upset their pairings if they don’t have to with the new regulations approaching.
Cadillac have been linked with Colton Herta as they would like to have an American driver in one of their cars.
READ MORE: All to know about General Motors’ Cadillac F1 team from engine to drivers
Zhou Guanyu’s goal is to return to F1 with Cadillac after signing a deal to become Ferrari’s reserve driver for 2025 and his manager Graeme Lowdon has been named as the American team’s team principal.
The likes of Sergio Perez, Valtteri Bottas and even American youngster Jak Crawford will be eyeing a seat with Cadillac to return to Formula 1.
Cadillac have plenty of options available to them but making the right decision is easier said than done.
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