Cadillac F1 Debut: Inside the 11th Team and Their Australian Grand Prix Preparations

Cadillac arrive at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix as Formula 1's 11th team — the first new constructor to join the grid since Haas debuted in 2016. Backed by General Motors and powered by Ferrari, the team brings a wealth of experience through its driver lineup and a clear development roadmap for the season ahead.

The Team

Team principal Graeme Lowdon — who previously led the Marussia operation — heads a squad that combines F1 veterans with American motorsport expertise. The driver lineup of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez brings 16 grand prix victories and over 500 race starts between them. Reserve driver Zhou Guanyu, signed in January 2026, provides additional experience, while test driver Colton Herta adds IndyCar knowledge to the development programme.

The team currently operates from Silverstone while their permanent US base is under construction. The car, designated MAC-26, runs the Ferrari power unit — with GM's own engine programme targeting a 2029 debut.

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Testing Performance and Upgrades

Cadillac completed 320 laps in the first Bahrain test and 266 in the second — respectable numbers for a brand-new operation. Formula1.com confirmed the team is bringing first upgrades to Australia, with plans to introduce aero development at every race for the opening four to five rounds.

Realistic Expectations

Lowdon set measured expectations ahead of the debut. "Success in terms of the Melbourne race — nobody knows that, nobody knows where anybody's going to finish," he told Motorsport.com. "A new team coming into Formula 1 doesn't happen very often, so there's very little precedent. It's very difficult to convey how difficult Formula 1 is. We're racing against the best in the world, and so just to get here, hopefully earn the respect of these teams."

The realistic target for Cadillac in Melbourne is reliable race completion and the gathering of baseline data. Points would be a bonus — but the team's development trajectory across the first five races will be the true measure of their competitive potential.

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