Official: F1 and FIA confirm Cadillac’s entry for 2026
In 2026, there will no longer be only 20 cars on the starting grid in the Grand Prix, but 22: the FIA has just officially announced the acceptance of Cadillac as the 11th team.
This Friday, March 7, 2025, the FIA and F1 jointly announced the official entry of Cadillac into the F1 World Championship for 2026, just one year from now.
A first in 10 years
The FIA highlights on its website: it is the first time in 10 years that 22 cars will be on the starting grid. It is also the first team to join the paddock since the arrival of Haas in 2016.
An application in multiple stages
- Phase 1: Call for expressions of interest
- Phase 2: Application, evaluation, and approval process
- Phase 3: Commercial discussions
If the FIA had approved Andretti’s entry into F1, the opinion would have been different for Liberty Media and F1, who did not wish to welcome Andretti.
Formula One Management (FOM) had rejected the application of the team currently in Indycar and Formula E on January 31, 2024, specifying that it would consider an application for 2028 differently if the team used a General Motors (GM) engine, whether as an official GM team or a customer, designing all the authorized components itself.
This is indeed what happened because GM, by getting more involved in the Andretti project, allowed the team to secure its spot in F1.
« Andretti Cadillac is honored that the FIA has approved Andretti Formula Racing’s application for the FIA Formula 1 World Championship. We commend the FIA’s rigorous, transparent, and comprehensive evaluation process and are extremely excited about the prospect of competing in such a prestigious and historic championship », reads a statement at the time of approval.
« Today marks a decisive turning point, and I am proud to lead the Federation in this evolution of the championship. The expansion to an 11th team in 2026 is a major milestone. GM/Cadillac brings a new energy that aligns with the new FIA regulations of 2026 and opens an exciting era for F1, said Ben Sulayem, the President of the federation.
Cadillac may not be able to use an engine under its name from 2026. The team will have to present an engine manufacturer in the coming weeks. Cadillac’s engine production by GM is expected to be feasible by 2028.
After so much waiting, F1 fans will soon have the opportunity to witness the debut of a new team, as well as see 2 other drivers on the grid. Place your bets.
