Cadillac will become the 11th team in Formula 1 next year, securing their place on the grid after years of negotiations with FOM [Formula One Management]. Following Cadillac’s successful entry, other aspiring teams have a clear blueprint for joining F1.
According to FIA President Ben Sulayem, the sport should be welcome to a 12th squad in the paddock.
Ben Sulayem reveals potential for 12th team
For some time, Cadillac’s aspirations of joining Formula 1 were very limited.
In fact, the American team’s initial failure to reach an agreement with FOM would be better described as that of the Andretti’s.
It was Michael Andretti who started this project initially, committing to making his own F1 team after failed negotiations over a Sauber takeover.
However, it soon became that Andretti’s relationship with Greg Maffei (formerly Liberty Media CEO) would obstruct his path into Formula 1.
As a result, it is Cadillac – in partnership with General Motors – who were necessary to get FOM’s approval.
Under the leadership of team principal Graeme Lowdon, Cadillac are full steam ahead with their 2026 preparations .
Despite only receiving approval to join Formula 1 last year, the US project has been operating under the assumption they would eventually be accepted for several years.
Speaking to several media outlets, FIA President Ben Sulayem explained that a 12th F1 team is possible:
“I still feel we need more teams than races…
“When we opened the expression of interest [for an 11th team], what was the outcome based on?
“Due process, competency framework, and without looking which company it was – as long as it fulfilled the requirements of the FIA.
“We have an 11th team, I believe we should look into the performance of the 11th team – and then, if there is a Chinese [entry bid], and I will speak behalf of FOM now in front of you – they will agree to that.
“Because it is about sustaining the business.”
Whispers in the background
Because of the resources necessary to be competitive in Formula 1, any aspiring entrants must spend years preparing for a specific set of regulations.
This means it won’t be until the next set of regulations finish (2029 at the earliest) that a new name can join the grid.
However, this does not mean there aren’t other aspiring F1 projects in the background.
Otmar Szafnauer, former Alpine team principal, says he has multiple investors supporting a project he is working on.
Perhaps more importantly, the 60-year-old says an engine manufacturer is on board.
This is significant because, beyond paying F1’s entry fee, candidates need to convince FOM they are deserving of a place.
When these negotiations occur, manufacturers always have a better chance of getting across the line.
General Motors’ commitment to producing their own engines was instrumental in getting Cadillac the green light.
In this sense, any future projects must demonstrate the financial muscle and commercial potential to justify diluting F1’s prize pool.
Main photo: Clive Rose/Getty Images (Red Bull content pool)
