Cadillac between political tensions and the hunt for drivers for 2026

While the team is now a done deal, its path to acceptance has been fraught with pitfalls, notably with the forced departure of Michael Andretti, a key figure in the project. When Mario's son filed a request to bring Andretti Cadillac into F1 In February 2022, he quickly received the support of FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. But Liberty Media, owner of F1's commercial rights, received a much colder reception. After more than two years of tensions and negotiations, General Motors (GM) and FOM reached an agreement in November 2024, before final validation in early March 2025.

However, this acceptance came at a significant cost: the removal of the Andretti name from the project, and above all, the departure of Michael Andretti himself. Dan Towriss, now head of TWG Motorsports, the structure that brings together the sporting activities of Cadillac and Andretti (F1, IndyCar, Formula E, IMSA), returned to the behind the scenes of this departure:

« He began to express his desire to move away and to say that it was no longer enjoyable at that point. We then wondered how best to manage this transition. The pressure (from F1. Ed.) was intense, with very difficult meetings and tense discussions with Liberty Media. The situation had become very political. Some aspects of the offer were not well understood. (by Liberty Media. Editor's note), and it was just difficult. There were certain points that were close to their hearts. »

According to Mario Andretti, a revealing scene took place in May 2024: “ Mr. Maffei (former president of Liberty Media. Editor's note) interrupted a meeting and said: "Mario, I want to tell you that I will do everything in my power to ensure that Michael never enters Formula 1."'. Since Michael Andretti's departure and the disappearance of the Andretti name from the project, the application was finally accepted. A mere coincidence?

The hunt for bucket seats begins

While Cadillac F1 won't be on the grid until 2026, the 2025 Australian Grand Prix marked the beginning of the major maneuvers to compose its future driver lineup. On the Albert Park circuit, the team's emissaries – Graeme Lowdon (team principal) and Pat Symonds (technical consultant) – were in high demand. If not all the contenders were on hand, these two men would not have had time to greet Stefano Domenicali and the F1 leadership due to their busy schedules. The driver market is officially open, and several names are already circulating to secure one of the two Cadillac seats.

The first one is Valtteri Bottas, seen in discussion with representatives of the team and who seems well placed. A more formal interview is also planned at Cadillac headquarters in Detroit. Although he refuses to confirm, the Finn acknowledges that " This seat will be highly sought after. I have the experience and I know how a top team works. " Sergio Perez, looking for a bounce back after his time at Red Bull, could also put forward his arguments.

Zhou Guangyu, close to Graeme Lowdon and current reserve driver Ferrari, could be a natural fit, with Ferrari being the future engine supplier for Cadillac F1. Colton Herta, protégé of the Andretti clan and pure IndyCar product, also seems like a relevant choice… but with Michael Andretti's withdrawal, is this option still relevant? He remains the only American for the moment. And it will take a Yankee to bring public support across the Atlantic.

Alex Palou, one of the dominant IndyCar drivers in recent seasons, could be tempted by the F1 challenge, as could Marcus Ericsson, former Sauber driver and winner of the 500 Indianapolis 2022. The Swede already has one foot in the team as an advisor and could position himself. Finally, Mick Schumacher, still looking for a return to Formula 1, is on the list. But will his name be enough to convince against the competition?

The Cadillac F1 project is already undergoing a profound transformation before its first spin. While Michael Andretti will not be part of it, the structure he initiated now seems more accepted by F1. It remains to be seen whether this 11^e team will be able to be credible in sporting terms on the grid... and with which drivers on board.