Formula One Management (FOM) has reversed its earlier stance on expanding the grid, announcing an agreement in principle with Cadillac to join the championship in 2026. This marks a significant shift from FOM’s earlier rejection of Andretti’s bid earlier this year, which initially seemed to close the door on any new teams joining the series.
When FOM turned down Andretti’s application in January, the commercial rights holder stated that the addition of an 11th team would not add value to the championship, effectively ruling out any new entries. This rejection came despite the FIA’s regulations allowing more than 11 teams in Formula 1, with the governing body having approved Andretti’s bid in October 2023. The FIA’s stance clashed with FOM’s position, creating a rift between the two governing entities.
FOM’s rejection of Andretti was not definitive, though. The organization stated that the application “should not succeed,” while also offering suggestions on how to improve it. However, a key comment pointed to the real reason for the rejection: Andretti’s surname. FOM’s research indicated that the Andretti name would benefit more from F1 than vice versa, and it was made clear that as long as Mario Andretti, the 1978 world champion, was associated with the team, the bid would face significant hurdles.
Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei reportedly made it clear to Mario Andretti that Michael’s team would never enter F1 as long as Mario remained involved. “I will do everything in my power to see that Michael never enters Formula 1,” Maffei allegedly told the senior Andretti. Despite the personal friction, Andretti’s long-standing desire for F1 entry persisted.
Fast forward to 2024, and Cadillac’s inclusion in F1 is now a reality. Although the team will carry Cadillac’s name, Andretti retains a connection to the project, with Mario Andretti serving as a director on the team’s board. Notably, FOM’s announcement notably avoided any mention of the Andretti name, emphasizing the importance of Cadillac’s involvement instead.
The entry of Cadillac is the result of relentless efforts from both the FIA and Cadillac itself. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been a key advocate, reiterating that there is no formal cap on the number of teams in F1. However, resistance from current F1 teams, particularly Red Bull’s Christian Horner, who voiced concerns about the dilution of earnings, has remained a key hurdle. Still, the sport’s governing body has been resolute in pushing for expansion, recognizing the potential long-term value of a new American team in the series.
Another key factor in FOM’s reversal appears to be Cadillac’s commitment to F1’s future. Cadillac, through General Motors (GM), has expressed its intention to develop its own power unit for F1 at some stage, which has strengthened its bid. The possibility of a GM-developed engine played a pivotal role in changing FOM’s view on Cadillac’s potential for success in the sport.
The timing of this decision is also significant. Cadillac’s entry is expected to coincide with the expiration of F1’s $200 million anti-dilution payment requirement, set to end in 2025. This gives Cadillac an opportunity to enter without paying the hefty fee, while also setting up a long-term technical commitment with the potential to introduce new engines in the near future.
Additionally, the recent U.S. Department of Justice investigation into FOM’s refusal to allow new teams raised the stakes for Liberty Media. The legal scrutiny over possible antitrust violations, combined with ongoing regulatory hurdles related to FOM’s acquisitions of MotoGP and entertainment companies Live Nation and Ticketmaster, has created external pressures to align F1’s actions with legal and business interests.
Despite FOM’s early rejection, Andretti and Cadillac showed unwavering determination, continuing to invest in their operations and demonstrate their seriousness about F1. Their efforts culminated in a significant victory with the hiring of FOM’s chief technical officer, Pat Symonds, in May—a clear signal that the team was building a competitive and professional operation.
The announcement of Cadillac’s entry into F1 is not just a win for the American manufacturer but also a strategic move by FOM to strengthen the championship’s global appeal. As Cadillac joins the grid in 2026, F1 will expand, bringing a new level of excitement and competition to the sport.
