American automakers and Formula 1 have never exactly been BFFs. In fact, there hasn’t been a proper Team America on the F1 grid since the 1980s, when Team Haas gave it a shot—no relation to today’s Haas F1 Team, mind you. But that’s all set to change, as General Motors announced last November that it’s bringing Cadillac to the pinnacle of motorsports in 2026. Cue the Star-Spangled Banner and a few bald eagles doing barrel rolls.
GM isn’t just showing up to wave a flag. They’re diving in headfirst with plans for a Cadillac Formula 1 Team and an in-house F1 power unit, aiming to evolve into a “full works” team by the end of the decade. Translation? They’re here to play with the big boys and, hopefully, knock a few European automakers off their high-horsepower pedestals.
Mario Andretti, America’s last F1 champ (way back when mullets were fashionable), is on board as a team director. His take? “I have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.” Meanwhile, GM President Mark Reuss calls F1 “the pinnacle of motorsports,” which is corporate shorthand for “we’re bringing the heat.”
The team will operate out of hotspots like Indiana, Michigan, and Silverstone, combining Midwest grit with British motorsport know-how. With over 3,000 wins and 100 motorsports championships under GM’s belt, they’ve got the pedigree to make this work.
So, will Cadillac’s mix of American muscle and advanced tech disrupt a sport known for its European finesse? The 2026 grid is shaping up to be one heck of a show. Buckle up, world—Cadillac’s coming, and they didn’t bring just apple pie; they brought a power unit. Hmmm, can we expect a LEGO Speed Champion Cadillac F1 in 2026 as well? 🤔
Images: Cadillac.