P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Cadillac may have been given the green light, but it is now set to lose a major F1 advantage.
Cadillac has officially joined the F1 grid for the 2026 season, expanding the total number of teams to 11. This marks the return to 22 cars on the grid, a situation not seen since Manor Racing went bankrupt after the 2016 season. For the upcoming seasons, Cadillac will be using customer Ferrari power units, with plans to develop their own for 2028, adding to the existing six power unit suppliers in F1. The team, led by new principal Graeme Lowdon, has been assembling its technical staff, including notable figures such as Nick Chester and Pat Symonds.
However, Cadillac will now have to adhere to the Aerodynamic Testing Restrictions (ATR) regulations, which limit wind tunnel runs and CFD hours for each team based on their previous season’s performance. This system aims to create a more competitive field by balancing resources among the teams. Cadillac was excluded from testing their 2026 designs until January 1st, 2025, under sporting regulations, but now that they are confirmed on the grid, they will follow the same rules as the other 10 teams. As a new entrant, Cadillac will be allocated testing time based on the position of the 10th place team in the constructors’ standings.
