Cadillac Confident for 2026 F1 Debut Despite “Building a Ship While Sailing It” Approach

Cadillac CEO Dan Towriss affirms the team is “pretty much on schedule” for its Formula 1 debut in 2026, even as he acknowledges the complex task of “building a ship while sailing it.” Following formal approval for Cadillac to become the 11th team on the grid, operations have significantly accelerated to ensure immediate competitiveness.\n\n### Why it matters:\nCadillac’s entry marks a significant expansion for Formula 1, introducing a major American automotive brand to the pinnacle of motorsport. The team's success is crucial for future grid expansion considerations and for boosting F1's global appeal, especially in the strategically important US market.\n\n### The big picture:\nTowriss, who is spearheading the project with team principal Graeme Lowdon, provided an update at the Italian Grand Prix. While progress isn't linear, he expressed confidence in the strides made thus far.\n\n* Multi-site Operation: The team's structure is spread across three main bases, including two facilities in the US and a UK base at Silverstone, where chassis design is underway. A wind tunnel in Cologne, Germany, also plays a crucial role.\n* Rapid Growth: The team is experiencing fast-paced expansion, onboarding 50 new personnel within just two weeks, highlighting the intense development phase.\n\n### Driver Lineup Secured:\nCadillac made key signings in late August, bringing veteran drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas on multi-year deals. Their extensive experience is expected to be invaluable.\n\n* Experience Over Youth: Towriss emphasized that an in-depth analysis revealed experience as the critical factor in driver selection. Both Perez and Bottas have significant F1 pedigree, having competed at the sharp end of the grid with Red Bull and Mercedes, respectively.\n* Perez's Impact: Towriss was particularly impressed by Perez during the interview process. The Mexican driver's insights and experience dispelled initial thoughts of signing a younger talent.\n\n### Cultural Identity:\nWhile the team will be global, Towriss confirmed Cadillac's strong American cultural identity.\n\n* “From a cultural standpoint, it will, but it's a global sport and we will be a global team,” Towriss stated, adding, “There are a lot of different accents on the team! But it will definitely have that American feel and affect how we think about partnerships, marketing, the storytelling, the culture.”\n\n### What's next:\nThe team faces a continued race against time to prepare for 2026. This includes ongoing aggressive development, further recruitment, and logistical challenges like shipping equipment. Their ability to effectively integrate operations across multiple international sites will be key to their readiness.