F1 set for drama as newcomer eyes big wins in 2026

Graeme Lowdon has suggested that rival Formula 1 team principals could be "apoplectic" if Cadillac manages to outperform some of the sport's long-established teams in the constructors' championship next season. The bold claim reflects growing anticipation around Cadillac’s highly scrutinized entry into F1, following an extended approval process. The journey began in February 2023 when the FIA opened a call for expressions of interest for a potential 11th team. After a lengthy evaluation, Cadillac was finally given the green light by F1 in March 2025, granting them just one year to prepare for their debut at the 2026 season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

The original bid, spearheaded by Michael Andretti, faced a major setback when Formula 1 rejected it due to governance and strategic concerns. It was only after Andretti stepped down as CEO of Andretti Global that the bid gained momentum. The revamped proposal—now fronted by GM-backed Cadillac in collaboration with TWG Motorsports, led by Dan Towriss—was ultimately accepted. Throughout the course of their entry bid, Cadillac’s Formula 1 team has been actively recruiting staff and setting up operations across multiple locations. Currently, their infrastructure is spread over four key sites: Indiana, North Charlotte, Michigan, and Silverstone. Notably, the Silverstone facility includes six units situated close to Aston Martin’s $250 million state-of-the-art campus, underscoring Cadillac's commitment to establishing a strong presence in the UK motorsport hub.

Looking ahead to their debut season, the Silverstone base is set to become the heart of the team’s operations. It will house their technical headquarters, production lines, logistics department, and an advanced machine shop. Despite these developments, the team’s complex global structure is expected to pose early challenges. For instance, Cadillac will be using Toyota’s renowned wind tunnel facility in Cologne, Germany, which adds logistical intricacies to their already ambitious setup.

Given the dispersed nature of their operations and the tight preparation window, early performance gains may be limited. Team Principal Graeme Lowdon, who officially took charge earlier this year after previously serving as a consultant, has acknowledged these hurdles. Lowdon played a key role in steering the team—especially during the demanding application process—drawing on his experience from a similar endeavor with Manor F1 over a decade ago. He has tempered expectations for their first season, suggesting that their initial focus will be on establishing a stable foundation rather than immediate competitiveness. Despite modest goals for year one, the long-term vision remains bold and strategically calculated.

"In talking with our shareholders, we have discussions about what expectations should be," said Lowdon

"The easiest way I can describe it to them is to imagine if you own a Formula 1 team for 10 years, and then another team rocks up and beats you. You would be apoplectic, you would be so annoyed," he added.