Cadillac boss fearful of running out of time for F1 debut

15:30, 17 Nov

byDrew Murphy

Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon has revealed the many challenges the team faces ahead of its Formula 1 debut in 2026.

“Time is the enemy in a project like this, because we know we’ll be racing in Melbourne the first week of March 2026, and that deadline can’t be extended."

- Graeme Lowdon

Next season’s regulations were put in place by the FIA and the FOM to promote closer racing and attract manufacturers to the paddock.

The General Motors-backed Cadillac F1 project is set to join F1 for the first time in its history, alongside Audi, which recently unveiled its concept car.

The Cadillac F1 team logo. Photo: Cadillac media

‘Time is the enemy’

Former CEO of Marussia, Lowdon, expressed how difficult it is for the project to be ready for its debut in a few months.

He said: “In fact, we’ll fire up the engine for the first time in less than 50 days, and the car will run for the first time in January next year.

“After that, we’ll go testing at the end of January in Barcelona.”

The American team will partner with Ferrari for the first two years, with the aim of becoming its own standalone team by 2028.

Cadillac F1 CEO Dan Towriss and Cadillac F1 Team Principal Graeme Lowdon in Monza. Photo: RacePictures.

As Cadillac prepares for its debut at the Australian Grand Prix in March, Lowdon is fearful of the tight margins his team faces, as it was only approved in early 2025.

He added: “Time is the enemy in a project like this, because we know we’ll be racing in Melbourne the first week of March 2026, and that deadline can’t be extended.

“There’s so much to do. Our entry was only confirmed in March 2025, so the margin is very tight.

“In that time, we must not only build the car but also manufacture it, design it, hire personnel, build the factories; everything. It’s a real challenge.”

valtteri-bottas-and-sergio-perez-announced-as-cadillac-drivers.jpg

Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez - Photo: Cadillac

Cadillac confirmed its driver line-up includes the very experienced pair of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez.

Perez was spotted in Imola testing a blacked-out SF-23.

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