Cadillac will join the Formula 1 grid as a competitor for the first time next year, the championship has confirmed.

The F1 grid will grow to 22 cars for the first time since the 2016 season to accommodate the arrival of the General Motors brand.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem called the confirmation of Cadillac’s entry “a transformative moment” for Formula 1.

“I am proud to lead the Federation in this progressive step for the championship,” he said. “The FIA Formula One Championship’s expansion to an 11th team in 2026 is a milestone.”

Cadillac’s entry will coincide with the introduction of new power unit and chassis regulations to F1 for the first time since 2014.

“GM/Cadillac brings fresh energy, aligning with the new FIA 2026 regulations and ushering in an exciting era for the sport,” Ben Sulayem continued. “GM/Cadillac’s presence in the paddock will inspire future competitors and fans. Their entry strengthens our mission to push motorsport’s boundaries at the highest level.”

The confirmation of Cadillac’s arrival comes over two years after the FIA invited applicants to join the world championship. In October 2023 it selected the entry from Andretti Global to join the grid.

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Cadillac announced in November 2023 it would join Andretti as a power unit supplier in 2028. But despite the backing of the American carmaking giant, Formula One Management blocked Andretti’s entry in January last year.

Following months of further lobbying by Cadillac and the FIA, FOM relented. In November last year it announced the team, now rebranded as Cadillac and operated by TWG Motorsports, had an agreement in principle to join the grid.

GM president Mark Reuss said the company was “thrilled the Cadillac Formula 1 Team is official.”

“We’re incredibly grateful for the support from the FIA and Formula 1 leadership for us and for our partners at TWG.

“The excitement only grows as we get closer to showcasing GM’s engineering expertise on the prestigious global stage of F1.”

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali thanked the new entrant “for their constructive engagement over many months” and said the championship “looks forward to welcoming the team on the grid from 2026 for what will be another exciting year for Formula 1.”

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