Bernie Collins: Cadillac's first F1 'win' in 2026 may just be making the grid

Sky Sports F1 analyst Bernie Collins warns that the monumental challenge facing the new Cadillac F1 team for its 2026 debut should not be underestimated, suggesting that simply getting its car on the grid for the season opener could be considered a victory. She draws a stark comparison to the immense logistical struggles Haas faced during its own debut season in 2016.

Why it matters:

The entry of an 11th team, backed by automotive giant General Motors and with experienced drivers like Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, is a major boost for the sport's growth, particularly in the crucial American market. However, Collins' sobering assessment highlights the brutal reality of building a competitive F1 operation from scratch, even with a major regulation reset intended to level the playing field. Success is measured in incremental steps, not immediate podiums.

The details:

• Collins, a former McLaren strategist, recalls the extreme effort required for Haas's debut, noting team members were working around the clock just to be ready for the first race in Australia.
• She applies this memory to Cadillac, stating that the primary job of assembling the team, the personnel, and a functional car is a massive undertaking that will likely be a "struggle."
• Her benchmark for a successful start is pragmatic: "If they get that car on the grid in Australia, that will be really good for them. That will be a victory in many ways."

The big picture:

Beyond the initial hurdle of simply showing up, Collins points to the 2026 power unit regulations as the ultimate decider of the new competitive order. There is a prevailing perception that Mercedes-powered teams—which will include McLaren, Williams, and the works Mercedes squad—may have an initial advantage.

• This is partly due to Mercedes supplying three teams, creating a larger data pool and faster learning cycle compared to a manufacturer like Honda, which will supply only one team (Aston Martin).
• While this suggests a potential shift in the status quo among established teams, it underscores the additional challenge for a new entrant like Cadillac, which must develop both a chassis and integrate a new power unit simultaneously.

What's next:

All eyes will be on the Cadillac F1 team's build-up throughout 2025. The real test begins at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix. Meeting Collins' modest but crucial benchmark of a reliable car on the grid will be the first major milestone. From there, the long and arduous journey of climbing from the back of the grid towards the midfield—and eventually the front—begins, a process that historically takes years, not a single season.