Cadillac F1 Set for Strategic Driver Selection Ahead of 2026 Debut
Cadillac F1’s chief, Dan Towriss, has emphasized that the team will not rush into selecting any American driver as they gear up for their highly anticipated entry into the Formula 1 grid in 2026. Following the confirmation of their bid, backed by automotive giant General Motors, the team aims to leverage its American roots to enhance Formula 1’s appeal in the United States.
While the expectation to recruit at least one American driver for their inaugural season is high, Towriss stressed the importance of a thoughtful selection process. “We want to ensure that the individual is set up for success,” he stated, asserting that the team will not merely pick a driver for the sake of nationality.
Towriss acknowledged the challenge, noting America’s scarce representation in recent F1 history. With Logan Sargeant’s departure from Williams, the potential driver pool for Cadillac lacks significant F1 experience. “An experienced driver is crucial for establishing a new team, and we are exploring candidates familiar with the lower Formula series,” he added, highlighting that knowledge of the circuits will be advantageous.
Towriss has been pivotal in navigating Cadillac’s journey into F1, succeeding Michael Andretti, a move that purportedly played a critical role in the successful approval of their bid. He noted that the prior bid faced rejection due to confusion surrounding the team’s direction, but clarity around Cadillac’s objectives has since garnered support from Formula 1 leadership.
As Cadillac F1 prepares to launch, Towriss will also take the helm of the new TWG Motorsports division within TWG Global. This division aims to unite top motorsport organizations to foster competitive excellence and innovation in the sport. “We intend to bring new ideas to the Formula 1 grid, drawing on our varied experiences across teams,” he explained.
With excitement building for Cadillac’s debut and their strategic plans coming into focus, the motorsport community is eagerly anticipating how this new team will reshape the landscape of Formula 1, both in the U.S. and globally.