After years of attempting to earn a place on the Formula 1 grid, an 11th team looks set to enter the paddock in 2026.
Initially, the Andretti name – led by Michael and Mario Andretti – had a bid rejected at the beginning of 2024.
However, just after last year’s Las Vegas Grand Prix, it was announced that an agreement in principle had been reached for a General Motors-backed team to race in Formula 1.
Dan Towriss has taken over as head of Andretti Global and the team are set to be known as Cadillac when they make their debut next year.
Formula 1 hasn’t had a new team since Haas’ introduction in 2016, although Audi will also make their F1 bow next season when they complete their takeover of Sauber.
It means preparations have had to be rapidly stepped up to get everything ready with just 12 months left until testing begins.
Cadillac don’t have a confirmed driver pairing yet and their staff numbers are dwarfed by the majority of their new rivals.
However, a deal between Cadillac and Ferrari to use their power units has been agreed, and a base just outside Silverstone has been operating for some time.
Andretti was speaking to Auto Motor und Sport and was incredibly upbeat about his team’s chances.
He’s already pinpointed two ‘benefits’ that Cadillac have enjoyed over their F1 rivals that could give them an advantage next season.
Mario Andretti very confident about Cadillac’s chances ahead of 2026 Formula 1 debut
Andretti was asked about Cadillac’s chance going into next year and said: “The new regulations force everyone to start from scratch. That will help us.
“It would have been harder if we had entered at a time when the rules had already been stable for three to four years.
READ MORE: All to know about General Motors’ Cadillac F1 team from engine to drivers
“Starting in 2026 gives us a better chance to start on a reasonable basis.
“We also benefit from the fact that we have been able to prepare a lot because we have not fallen under the wind tunnel and budget cap regulations so far.”
Who could Cadillac target to be their drivers for the 2026 Formula 1 season?
Last year saw plenty of change when it came to drivers on the F1 grid and several established stars missed out.
Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez would be experienced options for the team, Cadillac is said to be Perez’s preferred option to return to F1.
However, Cadillac are also likely to want an American driver to put into one of their cars.
They’re unlikely to have been convinced by Logan Sargeant’s time at Williams which means they’ll have to look for someone with any Formula 1 experience.
READ MORE: Mario Andretti names the first person in the F1 paddock he would sign ‘in a heartbeat’ for Cadillac
Jak Crawford is the highest-ranked American in Formula 2 and is currently affiliated with Aston Martin where opportunities are likely to be hard to come by.
Andretti is a big fan of Colton Herta who was previously linked with a move to Toro Rosso which broke down due to a lack of superlicense points.
The best thing for Cadillac to do is be patient when it comes to selecting their drivers as it’s impossible to know what will happen in the market this year.
Andretti’s dream signing is Max Verstappen but it would take an incredible set of circumstances for that move to happen.
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