Who are Cadillac, and when will the new team join the F1 grid?

CADILLAC'S drawn-out pursuit for a place at the highest level of motorsport was finally confirmed last NOVEMBER.

The American automobile giant started their play for an Formula One spot in January 2023 after submitting a petition of interest to the FIA.

The FIA accepted the bid, at the time under Andretti Global, but Formula One Management (FOM) rejected it.

Following discussions about the team's viability, General Motors (GM) agreed to take ownership of the team's involvement and paid a reported £358MILLION to enter the competition.

Michael Andretti led the initial bid before being turned down. His father Mario Andretti, the 1978 F1 world champion, is to be involved as a director on the board.

Mark Reuss, President of General Motors, said: “It’s an honor for General Motors and Cadillac to join the world’s premier racing series.

“We’re committed to competing with passion and integrity to elevate the sport for race fans around the world.”

When will Cadillac join the F1 grid?

The team, a sub-brand of GM, will join the F1 grid from NEXT season – 2026.

Cadillac join the grid in a season when new regulations are set to be introduced, including all-new chassis and engine.

The American-based team will operate with Ferrariengines until Cadillac and GM develop a power unit manufacturer of their own.

Any potential driver line-up remains unannounced but there have been tentative suggestions of recently dumped Williams racer – and American – Logan Sargeant joining.

So has the idea of rising star Jak Crawford or Colton Herta and wily veterans Valtteri Bottas being floated as contenders.