Cadillac Formula 1 Team Makes Historic Debut at 2026 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne

Melbourne, March 3, 2026: The Cadillac Formula 1 Team is set to make its highly anticipated debut in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix this weekend (March 6–8).

The 2026 race in Melbourne marks a historic milestone for the American outfit, which officially joins the grid as Formula 1’s 11th team—just 366 days after receiving final approval to compete in the 2026 season.

A Historic Moment for Cadillac in Formula 1

“This weekend is a historic moment for the Cadillac Formula 1 Team,” said Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac Formula 1 Team Holdings. “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. In Formula 1, nothing is given. Everything is earned. This weekend is just the beginning.”

The team has been built from the ground up in partnership with TWG Motorsports and General Motors, one of the world’s largest automotive manufacturers. Cadillac’s entry into F1 represents a strategic global push to strengthen its luxury and performance credentials on motorsport’s biggest stage.

GM President Mark Reuss described the debut as the realization of a long-driven vision. “To bring Cadillac back to the tier-one set of global luxury brands, F1 is a vital part of the equation,” he said.

Built Across Three Global Hubs

The Cadillac Formula 1 Team now employs more than 550 staff members across three major performance and engineering hubs:

• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Charlotte, North Carolina
• Silverstone, United Kingdom

The team has already completed key program milestones, including successful shakedown runs at Silverstone Circuit and Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, as well as two official pre-season tests in Bahrain.

Across testing sessions, the team accumulated over 4,200 kilometers—equivalent to more than 12 full race distances—demonstrating early reliability and operational readiness ahead of its competitive debut.

Leadership and Long-Term Vision

Team Principal Graeme Lowdon emphasized that while the Australian Grand Prix marks a proud milestone, it is only the start of a long-term journey.

“We have bold ambitions, but we are realistic, committed, and respectful of the challenge ahead,” Lowdon said. The team is already introducing its first performance upgrades at the season opener.

Experienced Driver Line-Up: Bottas and Perez

Leading the charge for Cadillac are two of Formula 1’s most experienced drivers:

• Valtteri Bottas
• Sergio Pérez

Between them, the duo boasts 526 Grand Prix starts, 106 podium finishes, and 16 race victories—providing the new team with valuable experience and racecraft.

Perez described the opportunity as a career highlight. “It is an honor to be in Australia this weekend, making history with the Cadillac Formula 1 Team. The atmosphere in the team is positive and we are making progress together.”

Bottas echoed the sentiment, noting that racing in Melbourne holds special significance this year. “Arriving to make history with the Cadillac Formula 1 Team makes it even more special. This is only the start of our journey together.”

Cadillac’s Formula 1 Era Begins

The 2026 Australian Grand Prix signals not just the start of a new Formula 1 season, but the beginning of Cadillac’s long-term commitment to elite global motorsport. With significant technical preparation, experienced leadership, and a seasoned driver lineup, the American team aims to establish a competitive foundation in its inaugural campaign.

As the lights go out in Melbourne, Cadillac’s Formula 1 journey officially begins—marking a new chapter for both the iconic automotive brand and the sport’s expanding global landscape.