Cadillac Charges into F1: Experts Urge U.S. Fans to Embrace the Journey
Cadillac has officially entered the high-octane realm of Formula One, marking a significant milestone as the first American automotive powerhouse to establish its own racing team. The unveiling of the team’s livery took place during the Super Bowl, showcasing a striking black and white design.
The advertisement, which aired in the fourth quarter, featured a powerful excerpt from President John F. Kennedy's 1962 moon speech: "We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard." The ad concluded with a bold declaration: "THE MISSION BEGINS."
While Ford has participated in Formula One as an engine supplier and through its ownership of Jaguar, Cadillac's venture represents a new chapter for American brands in the sport.
At the helm of this ambitious project is Graeme Lowdon, team principal, who has meticulously built the team from scratch, establishing facilities in Indiana, North Carolina, and Silverstone, England.
Lowdon described the journey to Cadillac's F1 debut as "lengthy, with lots of twists and turns," emphasizing the challenges faced along the way.
In preparation for the upcoming season, Cadillac has recruited over 500 individuals from a staggering 143,000 applicants. "There's a lot of expectation, and quite rightly so," Lowdon remarked. "General Motors is a hugely respected and impressive entity ... so there is that pressure, but that's what Formula One's about."
On the track, Cadillac will field experienced drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez. With a combined total of 16 Grand Prix victories and over 500 race starts, their expertise is seen as crucial for a fledgling team.
"These guys know how to win," Lowdon stated. "But above all else, they have an ability to gel a team together, so they're the focal point for the engineering activities, the garage activities, everything to do with operating a team at the highest level."
However, experts caution that American fans may need to temper their expectations for Cadillac's inaugural season. The likelihood of securing a race win or even a podium finish is considered low.
Building a competitive Formula One car and team typically requires several seasons of development and substantial investment.
Ross Brawn, renowned for his role in Michael Schumacher's success, advised patience for Cadillac supporters. "It's very tough," he noted. "They've got some very good people there... but it's going to be very tough, so give them a bit of time."
David Croft, a prominent commentator, echoed this sentiment, urging fans to focus on development rather than immediate results. "Wherever they start the hope for me is that that's not where they'll finish," he said.
According to ESPN, 2025 marked a record-breaking year for Formula One viewership in the U.S., with average viewership per Grand Prix more than doubling over eight years.
Despite this growth, Formula One still lags behind NASCAR in terms of spectator numbers. The NASCAR Cup Series averaged 3.2 million viewers in 2025.
Yet insiders remain optimistic about Formula One's trajectory in America. Croft recalled a time when few knew about the sport at U.S. Grand Prix events. "Now people know who we are and what Formula One is," he said.
The success of Netflix's "Drive to Survive" series has been credited with boosting F1's popularity in the U.S., alongside the addition of races in Miami and Las Vegas.
Lowdon expressed hope that Cadillac can capitalize on this growing interest and that fans will appreciate the team's journey, even if it means celebrating smaller victories initially. "If you come along and join the journey ... then [fans] can enjoy, if you like, the minor victories along the way," he said.
