How Cadillac have a ‘small head start’ over rival teams ahead of joining F1 in 2026

Cadillac are a year away from becoming F1’s 11th team on the grid. The sport has not seen 22 cars on the track since 2016.

The American brand are set to join the grid in 2026 after reaching an agreement with F1. This marks a change of heart after Andretti’s bid was rejected last year on commercial grounds.

General Motors remained keen to enter F1 and have now done so with Cadillac, taking over the failed Andretti bid and their operations in Silverstone.

The team have made huge strides forward off the track to prepare for their entry in 2026. Mario Andretti will stay on as an advisor, while Graeme Lowdon and Pat Symonds have joined the team as team principal, and executive engineering consultant respectively.

Cadillac had planned to bring their own power unit to the sport in 2028, but the aim now seems to be 2030. In the meantime, Cadillac will run with Ferrari engines.

There is still a lot of work to do for the American team before they make their way onto the grid next season. But noise from their rivals suggests they could have a slight advantage.

Cadillac can focus all of their budget on the 2026 regulations

The team still have no official entry for the 2026 season – which could be confirmed before the start of the 2025 campaign. The budget cap will apply to Cadillac the moment their entry is approved, as confirmed by the FIA.

As they are not on the grid until 2026, Cadillac’s wind tunnel time has been determined as if they are the equal last-placed team in the constructors’ championship (Sauber). It will remain at that level until the standings change at the end of the year.

Furthermore, Cadillac can focus their attention entirely on nailing the 2026 regulations while their rivals will be spending money on developing their 2025 cars as well as next year’s. According to journalist Scott Mitchell-Malm, the existing teams feel F1’s newcomers have a ‘small head start’ for 2026.

He said via The Race YouTube channel: “Where Cadillac will have a more tangible advantage is that its sole focus will be on the new rules in 2026 while its rivals are fighting a championship on track in 2025 and spending some development and money on the current season in the process.

“This means all of Cadillac’s budget and aero testing can go towards 2026 where others will be split. But making use of that depends on having a team big enough and mature enough and having access to the relevant facilities.

“Opposition teams therefore believe that Cadillac’s had a small head start at best, which only mitigated the worst of how much work it has to do.

“One team boss told us it’s a monumental task and any advantage will balance out very quickly”.

Which drivers have been linked with racing for Cadillac in 2026?

Once their 2026 entry is officially confirmed, Cadillac can look at building the rest of their organisation – including which two drivers will race with the team in 2026.

Mario Andretti wants to have an American driver in one of the cars. Cadillac have been linked with several talents in the country in the IndyCar series.

Colton Herta is the clear favourite given his this to Andretti. Cadillac could pay teams to test Herta to solve the issue of not having enough superlicense points.

Kyle Kirkwood is another candidate to move over from IndyCar, while Jak Crawford could have a ‘golden ticket’ to sign with the team if he impresses in F2 this season.

Cadillac are also said to want an experienced driver to join alongside the American. Valtteri Bottas has already had talks with Cadillac over a move, with the Finn serving as Mercedes’ reserve driver in 2025.