Cadillac MAC-26

Prior history and attempts to enter Formula One

Cadillac is the latest entry into the Formula One grid, having been approved in 2025. Two unsuccessful entries were performed with Cadillac-engined Kurtis Krafts for the Indianapolis 500 while it was a part of the Formula One World Championship.^[1] A previous attempt to enter the sport through General Motors (GM) and Andretti Global, which was led by Michael Andretti – son of 1978 World Champion Mario – in 2023^[2] was vetoed by the Formula One Group, despite their bid being accepted by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA),^[3][4] with the proviso that Formula One Group would reconsider should GM agree to manufacture their own Formula One engines.^[5] A second proposal was submitted in 2024, now led by TWG Global^[6] and renamed Cadillac,^[7] and was approved by Formula One Group.^[8]

2026 regulation changes and development context

Significant changes to Formula One's technical regulations were introduced for 2026, affecting both the chassis and engine. The team uses Ferrari's Tipo turbo hybrid engines,^[9] as General Motors began development of their own engines with plans for entry in the 2029 season.^[10]

Launch and pre-season

The car made its first appearance on track during a private shakedown at Silverstone Circuit in January 2026,^[11] before participating in an extended private January 26–30, 2026 shakedown at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya with 9 of the 10 other teams.^[12]

Before being revealed, the MAC-26 was shipped to Times Square, New York, where a timer and drape stood until the car was officially unveiled. On February 8, 2026, a short Cadillac commercial aired during a break, unveiling the livery. The team said that their decision to release the commercial during the Super Bowl and ship the car to Times Square was to maximize its visibility to the public. The commercial was directed by Sam Piling and scored by Max Richter.^[13] Shortly after the commercial aired, the car was also revealed at Times Square. A longer video, integrating President John F. Kennedy's 1962 speech about putting a man on the Moon, was released after the Super Bowl commercial had aired.^[14]