Cadillac and Ford Trade Verbal Blows Ahead of 2026 F1 Entry

A rivalry between two American automotive giants is heating up before the 2026 Formula 1 season even begins. Cadillac CEO Dan Towriss and Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford have exchanged sharp criticisms regarding the nature of their respective entries into the sport, setting the stage for an intense domestic showdown on the grid.

Why it matters:

This public spat highlights the intense pressure and high stakes surrounding the influx of American manufacturers into F1. With the sport growing rapidly in the US, both GM and Ford are fighting to establish themselves as serious technical contenders rather than just commercial sponsors, seeking to capture the attention of a massive new audience.

The details:

• The Opening Salvo: Dan Towriss claimed the two deals are incomparable, labeling Ford's arrangement with Red Bull as a marketing move with "minimal impact" compared to GM's equity ownership and deep engineering integration from day one.
• The Rebuttal: Bill Ford responded to The Athletic, calling Towriss's comments "patently absurd." He pointed out the irony of the criticism, noting that Cadillac will utilize Ferrari power units in 2026 rather than a proprietary GM engine.
• Technical Defense: Ford Performance officials emphasized the creation of "Red Bull Ford Powertrains," insisting it is a deep technical collaboration aimed at building the best power unit on the grid, leveraging Ford's vast resources to complement Red Bull's existing project.

Looking Ahead:

The off-track drama will soon shift to on-track performance with car launches approaching.

• Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls will unveil their 2026 challengers on January 15 in Detroit, Ford's hometown.
• Cadillac plans a massive spectacle, revealing its livery during the Super Bowl halftime show on February 8.