Cadillac’s Entry into Formula One: A New Chapter in Motorsport

By February 8, 2026, Cadillac, a renowned American automotive brand, has taken a bold step into the competitive arena of Formula One racing. This significant move was highlighted when Cadillac showcased its official team livery for the 2026 F1 season during Super Bowl Sunday. The distinctive black and white design was presented in a commercial aired during the fourth quarter, which included excerpts from President John F. Kennedy’s famous 1962 speech emphasizing the pursuit of difficult challenges.

We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, Kennedy’s voice resonated through the ad, followed by the phrase, “THE MISSION BEGINS.” This launch signifies Cadillac’s commitment and ambition as they introduce their first Formula One team.

Leading this ambitious endeavor is team principal Graeme Lowdon, who has orchestrated the development of the team from scratch. This includes establishing new facilities in key racing hubs such as Indiana, North Carolina, and Silverstone, England. In an interview with CBS News prior to the livery reveal, Lowdon described the journey to bring Cadillac into Formula One as “lengthy, with lots of twists and turns.”

Cadillac’s F1 team has recruited over 500 individuals from an overwhelming pool of 143,000 applicants. Lowdon emphasized the anticipation surrounding their entry into the sport, stating, There’s a lot of expectation, and quite rightly so. General Motors is a hugely respected and impressive entity … so there is that pressure, but that’s what Formula One’s about.

Experienced Drivers on the Track

The team will be represented by seasoned drivers Valtteri Bottas from Finland and Sergio Perez from Mexico. Both drivers bring substantial experience, boasting a combined total of 16 Grand Prix victories and over 500 race starts. Lowdon expressed his confidence in their ability to lead the team effectively, highlighting their skills in uniting the team’s engineering and operational activities.

These guys know how to win, Lowdon noted. But above all else, they have an ability to gel a team together, so they’re the focal point for the engineering activities, the garage activities, everything to do with operating a team at the highest level.

Challenges and Expectations

Experts suggest that while American fans may be eager for quick success, it might take time for Cadillac to secure a podium finish or win a race against established giants like Ferrari and Mercedes. Ross Brawn, a prominent figure in F1, advised patience, noting the quality of personnel involved in the Cadillac team but stressing that building a successful team takes time.

Similarly, David Croft, a well-known commentator, urged fans to focus on the team’s development rather than immediate top podium placements. Wherever they start the hope for me is that that’s not where they’ll finish, he shared, emphasizing the importance of gradual improvement over time.

Growing Popularity of Formula One in the U.S.

The entry of new teams like Cadillac coincides with a rise in Formula One’s popularity in the United States. ESPN reports that 2025 marked the highest average viewership for the sport in the country, with 16 out of 24 races achieving viewership records. While it still lags behind the NASCAR Cup Series in overall viewer numbers, Formula One is gaining traction among U.S. audiences, partly due to the influence of the Netflix series Drive to Survive and new races in Miami and Las Vegas.

With six races now taking place within American time zones, there is increased accessibility for fans eager to watch live events. Graeme Lowdon expresses his hope that Cadillac can capitalize on this momentum and bring fans along for the journey, celebrating minor victories even as the team works towards future success.

It’s really so difficult to achieve success that, if you come along and join the journey … then [fans] can enjoy, if you like, the minor victories along the way, Lowdon stated, appreciating even the achievement of producing a complex Formula One car as a victory in itself.