In a press release previewing the Melbourne GP, the Cadillac F1 Team detailed its official entry for the 2026 season. Following the formal granting of its entry in early 2025, the team has spent the last year completing debut preparations.
This weekend at the Albert Park Circuit marks the first time the American-led project competes in a Grand Prix. This expansion brings the field to 22 drivers, with Cadillac and the Audi F1 team entering as the latest constructors.
Preparing the 2026 Cadillac F1 entry
Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac F1 Team Holdings, emphasised the historical moment for the team. The team spent many hours developing a machine capable of competing in Formula 1 conditions.
While the lineup for the first 2026 Grand Prix serves as a proud milestone, Towriss states that success in this championship is earned rather than given.
”This weekend is a historic moment for the Cadillac Formula 1 Team.
“This car represents thousands of hours of relentless work across the U.S. and Europe and the commitment of hundreds of people who believe we can build something worthy of this stage. Seeing the Cadillac Formula 1 Team line up for its first Grand Prix is a proud moment for all of us. In Formula 1, nothing is given. Everything is earned. This weekend is just the beginning.’’
Driving Cadillac into the 2026 F1 era
For General Motors (GM) President Mark Reuss, the debut in Australia for the 2026 F1 season, represents the realisation of a long-term vision to position Cadillac among the world’s top-tier luxury brands.
He views Formula 1 as a crucial element in this global strategy. The project has required vigorous effort from a big team at GM to bring the program to life.
For Reuss, helping the team reach this milestone has proven incredibly rewarding for everyone involved in the team.
“The historic debut of the Cadillac Formula 1 team in Australia is the realisation of a vision that has driven so many of us at General Motors, and a moment of tremendous pride for everyone who has worked tirelessly to make it happen.
“To bring Cadillac back to the tier one set of global luxury brands, F1 is a vital part of the equation. Helping bring this program to life has been incredibly rewarding for me and for the whole team.”
Lowdon on managing the F1 competition debut
Under the direction of Team Principal Graeme Lowdon, the organisation has managed a massive logistical and technical task to reach the 2026 F1 opener. Since the start signal, the focus has transitioned from development to trackside execution.
Lowdon noted that the team feels positive regarding the data gathered during pre-season testing in Barcelona and Bahrain.
Despite the challenges of the debut, Cadillac is already introducing its first performance upgrades for the 2026 F1 Melbourne Grand Prix. The team remains realistic and respectful of the technical hurdles ahead, choosing to focus on establishing a foundation for long-term success rather than seeking immediate results.
“The Cadillac Formula 1 Team’s debut marks one of the proudest moments of my career.
“It has been a huge task to get to this point, and I am endlessly grateful to everyone involved. But the Australian Grand Prix is only the beginning of the journey, and our focus is on building long-term success. I am happy with our progress in Barcelona and Bahrain, and we are already bringing the first upgrades to our car this weekend. We have bold ambitions, but we are realistic, committed, and respectful of the challenge ahead.”
