MELBOURNE, 06 March 2026 – The Formula 1 paddock has a new look this week as Cadillac officially makes its competitive debut as the sport’s 11th team. After years of regulatory hurdles and a high-profile entry saga, the General Motors-backed outfit has arrived at the Albert Park Circuit for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, marking the first time the grid has expanded beyond 20 cars since 2016.
The MAC-26: A Tribute to a Legend
In a move that has resonated deeply with the racing community, Cadillac revealed last week that its debut chassis is codenamed the MAC-26. The designation stands for “Mario Andretti Cadillac 2026,” a direct tribute to the 1978 F1 World Champion. While the team is officially a General Motors works effort, the naming acknowledges the project’s roots with the Andretti family, who spent years campaigning for an American entry on the grid.
Mario Andretti described the gesture as the “ultimate compliment,” noting that seeing the Andretti name integrated into the car’s identity was a milestone for American motorsport. The team enters the season with a veteran driver line-up consisting of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, providing the new outfit with significant technical feedback and stability for its maiden campaign.
Technical Foundation and Power Unit Strategy
Cadillac is currently operating as a “full works” team, though its engine strategy is split into two distinct phases. For the 2026 through 2028 seasons, the team is utilising a power unit partnership to bridge the gap while General Motors completes its own proprietary engine programme. The FIA has already formally approved GM as a Power Unit manufacturer for the 2029 season.
Development is currently centred at a new 204,000-square-foot facility near the Charlotte Technical Centre in North Carolina. This dedicated “Performance Power Units” hub is tasked with perfecting the complex hybrid systems required under the 2026 technical regulations.
Cadillac F1 Team Specifications
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Team Name | Cadillac F1 Team |
| Parent Company | General Motors / TWG Motorsports |
| 2026 Chassis | MAC-26 (Mario Andretti Cadillac) |
| Driver Line-up | Sergio Perez & Valtteri Bottas |
| Technical Director | Russ O’Blenes |
| Headquarters | Concord, North Carolina, USA |
| In-House Engine Debut | Planned for 2029 Season |
Latest Updates from the Paddock
- Melbourne Debut: As of 06 March 2026, the team has successfully passed scrutineering in Melbourne and is participating in Friday practice sessions.
- Virtual Preparation: Team Principal Dan Towriss noted that the team is “the best-prepared newcomer in history,” having logged millions of virtual kilometres in simulation before arriving in Australia.
- Grid Expansion: Cadillac’s entry marks the first successful 11th-team application approved by both the FIA and Formula One Management (FOM) under the current Concorde Agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cadillac building its own F1 engine?
Yes, but not immediately. General Motors has established “GM Performance Power Units LLC” to build a proprietary hybrid engine. While the team is racing in 2026, the fully in-house GM power unit is scheduled to debut on the grid in 2029.
Why is the car named MAC-26?
The name stands for Mario Andretti Cadillac 2026. It serves as a tribute to Mario Andretti’s legacy in the sport and his role in the initial push to bring an American works team to the Formula 1 grid.
Where is the Cadillac F1 team based?
The team operates primarily out of a state-of-the-art facility in Concord, North Carolina, near the Charlotte Technical Centre. They also maintain a European base to handle the logistics of the global F1 calendar.