The Formula 1 grid will expand to eleven teams in 2026 with the arrival of the American team, Cadillac. Both in the States and the United Kingdom, work is underway to establish a brand-new racing stable. The team recently bolstered its ranks with top drivers Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas, two celebrated race winners in Formula 1. However, James Vowles warns that Cadillac is in for a significant baptism of fire and will undoubtedly face tough challenges.
In an interview with the Business of Sport podcast, Vowles expressed skepticism about Cadillac’s ability to be immediately competitive. The Williams team boss also criticized the decision by the FIA and FOM to admit a new team at this stage. He knows better than anyone that the existing participants are not in the best financial health. Perhaps the premier class should have waited to admit a new team until the current grid was in a stronger position.
‘Cadillac is going to have a tough time’
“It’s well known what our losses are,” said Vowles. “Let’s first ensure that everyone can survive in this sport. That you have at least ten teams that can all break even. I’m not even talking about profit, just breaking even. That’s why I think it’s too early to bring them (Cadillac) in,” Vowles admitted. “That doesn’t change the fact that it is a strong brand and a good brand to admit.”
Despite Cadillac’s significant presence in the automotive industry and the resources at its disposal, it does not necessarily guarantee a competitive team, according to Vowles. “They will face a tough challenge, I am certain of that,” he continued. “In modern Formula 1, it is already incredibly difficult to be competitive.”
Although the margins between different teams are currently very narrow, the field is expected to diverge further by 2026. Cadillac will have to compete with rivals who have been active in the sport for at least a decade.
