Cadillac: We're not in a hurry to select a driver

The all-American team, backed by General Motors and investment group TWG Global, will enter the sport as Formula 1’s 11th team in 2026. Senior figures including GM President Mark Reuss, TWG Motorsports CEO Dan Towriss, and newly named Team Principal Graeme Lowdon gathered publicly for the first time since the FIA approved the entry.

At a media briefing in Miami, Towriss confirmed that the team is already operational: “We’re building cars, we have been in the wind tunnel for a long time and the chassis has arrived. There are so many work streams happening all at once. The integration of the teams – it’s something that we think is going to set us apart.”

Reuss added that the outfit has fired up its first turbo hybrid V6 engine as part of development work for a future in-house power unit, targeting 2029 for Cadillac's own PU debut. For their 2026 entry, the team will run Ferrari-supplied engines.

Operations are spread across three sites: technical and engine activities in Indianapolis and Charlotte, and a design office near Silverstone in the UK. Around 350 staff are already employed, with plans to expand beyond 1,000.

In addition to Lowdon – formerly of Manor and most recently Zhou Guanyu’s manager – several seasoned F1 names are on board. Former Renault and Williams executive Pat Symonds, ex-Renault technical director Nick Chester, and former Haas team manager Pete Crolla are among those involved.

Cadillac is yet to confirm its race drivers. However, multiple sources suggest Sergio Perez is a leading candidate. Others linked to the team include Valtteri Bottas, Zhou Guanyu, Mick Schumacher, Frederik Vesti, Colton Herta, and Pato O’Ward.

Towriss: We're committed to having an American driver

Towriss emphasised a careful approach: “We're not in a hurry to select a driver. Performance is one thing but experience is another. Getting feedback on the car is going to be crucially important.”

He added that while having an American driver is a clear ambition, the team will not rush into a decision:
“We're committed to having an American driver – it's important to all of us to do it the right way. It’s not a gimmick. We want that person set up for success.”

The team is already operating a small development programme focused on American drivers, aimed at long-term success.

Looking ahead to 2026, Towriss outlined what success would look like for the new entrant:
“For me, success is multi-faceted. We want to build our fandom for Cadillac F1 team, we want commercial success, and we want to move F1 forward with something fresh, bold, new.”

Reuss concluded: “We’re in for the long-haul. We’ll do what’s best for day one, but also for year five and beyond.”

The Cadillac F1 team now faces the crucial months of finalising its driver line-up, completing its car build, and preparing for a competitive debut in 2026.