The upcoming Formula 1 season is already heating up off the track, as American automotive giants Cadillac and Ford trade barbs over their respective entries into the sport. While both brands are staking a claim in the rapidly growing F1 landscape, their approaches—and perceived levels of commitment—are drawing sharp contrast.
Cadillac’s Deep Dive
Cadillac, backed by General Motors (GM), is positioning itself as a serious long-term player in Formula 1. GM has taken an equity stake in the team—formed from the Andretti squad—and plans to develop its own powertrain by 2028. In the interim, Cadillac will leverage Ferrari engines, but the core message from GM executive Dan Towriss is clear: this is a full-scale engineering operation, not a mere marketing exercise.
“One is a marketing deal with very minimal impact, while GM is an equity owner,” Towriss stated, directly criticizing Ford’s approach.
Cadillac’s involvement represents a substantial investment in building an F1 team from the ground up, something that historically requires years of effort and significant capital.
Ford Strikes Back
Ford, partnering with Red Bull Racing as an engine supplier, hasn’t taken Cadillac’s criticism lightly. Ford executive chairman Bill Ford dismissed the jab, pointing out that Cadillac is currently reliant on Ferrari power. The company emphasizes its hands-on approach, with Ford Racing engineers embedded within Red Bull Powertrains in the UK, and supplying 3D-printed components for the hybrid power unit.
According to The New York Times, Ford also plays a vital technical role in battery management, calibration, and deployment. This level of integration demonstrates a deeper technical partnership than simply slapping a logo on a chassis.
Why This Matters
The rivalry between Cadillac and Ford underscores a key trend in F1: the increasing importance of manufacturer involvement. Modern F1 is no longer just about private teams; it’s about automakers using the sport as a proving ground for technology and a platform to showcase brand prestige. The battle between these two American brands highlights the different ways companies can approach F1.
GM is betting on building an entire team from scratch, a high-risk, high-reward strategy. Ford, meanwhile, is leveraging an existing powerhouse (Red Bull) to quickly establish a presence. Neither approach is inherently superior; both depend on execution.
The Road Ahead
Ultimately, the effectiveness of each strategy will be measured by results on the track. While Ford has aligned with a proven winner in Red Bull, Cadillac will face an uphill battle to compete against established teams. The coming seasons will reveal whether GM’s long-term commitment can overcome the immediate advantage held by Red Bull Ford Powertrains.
The stakes are high, and the tension between these two automotive giants will only intensify as the 2026 season approaches.
