Gary Anderson explores the challenges both Cadillac and Audi will face before and after they join the F1 grid – and which he’d rather be a part of heading into 2026
Looking forward to the 2026 Formula 1 season due to the arrival of new teams, like GM Cadillac by Andretti Global and Sauber transforming into Audi, bringing fresh energy and different approaches to the sport. Building a new team from scratch requires a substantial investment of at least a couple hundred million dollars for facilities, equipment, and hiring around 600 staff, 200 of them with F1 experience, making it a challenging task despite previous groundwork by Andretti. General Motors will require a thorough business plan before funding Cadillac’s entry, necessitating rigorous planning and efficient team integration. While the initial year may seem easier, Cadillac faces tough challenges in subsequent seasons like focusing on reliability, development, and continuous team growth while maintaining a balance between present performance and future strategies. Reflecting on the long-term commitment and financial investment in F1, it may take up to four seasons to truly evaluate the team’s standing in the highly competitive field.
