F1 and General Motors announce ‘agreement in principle’ for Cadillac to join grid as 11th team in 2026

Formula 1 has reached an ‘agreement in principle’ with American car giant General Motors for its Cadillac brand to join the F1 grid as a new 11th team from 2026.

In a stunning turn of events 10 months after American outfit Andretti’s bid to join the grid with backing from GM-owned Cadillac was rejected by F1 for either of the next two seasons, what appears to be a revised offering with General Motors now front and centre appears to have changed the situation.

In a statement, F1 said it had “maintained a dialogue with General Motors, and its partners at TWG Global, regarding the viability of an entry” and that it was now moving forward with the application process to join the grid.

“They have achieved operational milestones and made clear their commitment to brand the 11th team GM/Cadillac, and that GM will enter as an engine supplier at a later time,” added the F1 statement.

“Formula 1 is therefore pleased to move forward with this application process and will provide further updates in due course.”

Rather than Andretti Global, who initiated the original bid, the statement made reference to TWG Global as GM’s F1 partner, the company which now controls the American motorsports operation under new chief executive Dan Towriss after founder Michael Andretti stepped back from day-to-day control.

“General Motors and Cadillac’s commitment to this project is an important and positive demonstration of the evolution of our sport,” said F1 president Stefano Domenicali.

“We look forward to seeing the progress and growth of this entry, certain of the full collaboration and support of all the parties involved.”