The Cadillac Formula 1 team is becoming more present. Co-owner Dan Towriss, team boss Graeme Lowdon, technical advisor Pat Symonds and board member Mario Andretti showed up in the Austin paddock. Almost at the same time, the first monocoque of the new Formula 1 project was completed in Europe. Until now, the US racing team had only practiced with prototypes.
Over the next four weeks, the carbon tube including the nose and the crash structures on the side and rear will undergo the mandatory FIA stress test. In addition to the three crash tests from the front, rear and side, as well as the dynamic tear test for the cockpit, this includes a total of nine static load tests at critical points in the survival cell.
Pat Symonds is confident that the Formula 1 newcomer will pass all tests in the first attempt. “We have prepared extensively for this with test chassis for over six months.” Cadillac made its way forward in stages. There’s not much to be gained by passing the requirements but using too much weight.
The workforce has tripled
Table of Contents
- 1. The workforce has tripled
- 2. Perez completed a simulator session
- 3. First tests in black and camouflage
- 4. How might ongoing semiconductor shortages impact Cadillac’s ability to achieve its 2030 all-electric lineup goal?
- 5. Evaluating Cadillac’s Readiness for the Future: Are They Truly Prepared?
- 6. The Electric Shift & Cadillac’s Response
- 7. Current EV Portfolio: Lyriq & Beyond
- 8. Technological Investments & Ultium Platform
- 9. Ultium Advantages:
- 10. The Software-Defined Vehicle & Super Cruise
- 11. super Cruise: A Competitive Edge?
- 12. Brand Perception & Luxury EV Market
- 13. Challenges & Opportunities:
- 14. Supply chain Resilience & Manufacturing Capacity
- 15. Key Considerations:
- 16. Case Study: GM’s EV Transition & Cadillac’s Role
The eleventh team in the field has grown rapidly in recent months. At the beginning of the year the workforce still amounted to 159 employees. Now there are 426. Employment contracts have already been concluded with 75 other people. They’re just serving their time off work so that they can be on board by the start of the 2026 season at the latest. The Silverstone branch is already too small. Cadillac needs to grow.
The racing team has already been in action for several months. In the control center in Silverstone, the team handled the Grands Prix in Spain, Italy and last weekend in the USA as if Cadillac were already a participant. The Brazilian GP is being considered as the next event. Austin and São Paulo were chosen carefully. “We also have to practice a sprint weekend. These are completely different processes,” explains Symonds.
In order to come as close to reality as possible, the briefings do not begin immediately after the training sessions, but with a delay. In real life, the drivers first have to go to the TV interview area for interviews and cannot immediately share their impressions with the engineers.
Cadillac
Sergio Perez is already active in Cadillac’s F1 program. Valtteri Bottas only gets clearance from Mercedes after the season finale.
Perez completed a simulator session
Pit stops and track procedures are practiced during TPC tests. For this purpose, Ferrari provides an older model, which is also driven by a driver from the Ferrari pool. The racing team should primarily be trained and not the driver. The first test already took place in Fiorano, the second is planned for Imola.
The Cadillac drivers are currently only working in the simulator. It’s in the USA. The main burden of the virtual development trips currently falls on Pietro Fittipaldi. The Brazilian will be supported by former IndyCar driver Simon Pagenaud. Regular driver Sergio Perez has already completed a simulator session.
Nevertheless, the engineers are desperately waiting for Valtteri Bottas. The Mercedes reserve driver will only be released from Monday after the Abu Dhabi GP. His opinion is particularly valuable because he brings with him current experience from Mercedes. So Cadillac hopes for a certain reference. Perez had a year off and had not been in a Formula 1 car since the 2024 finale.
Mark Antar Design
This is how designer Mark Antar imagines the new Cadillac look. The real livery will only be presented after the Barcelona test.
First tests in black and camouflage
Although Cadillac still needs to build a team and a structure, the racing team that represents the colors of America’s largest automobile manufacturer will have its car on the grid in time for the first days of testing with the 2026 car between January 26th and 30th. Before that, a so-called shakedown is planned.
During the first test run, the Cadillac is sent onto the track in its black carbon dress. A camouflage paint scheme is then planned for Barcelona. Cadillac will show the real racing design at a team presentation in the USA before the tests in Bahrain. The technical team led by Nick Chester has already exceeded the values for downforce and air resistance expected by the FIA.
Planning for the engine is more difficult. At the moment there are three different projects running in parallel. Cadillac definitely wants to be there with its own engine in 2029, but at the moment no one knows what it will look like. The FIA favors introducing the engine formula after next in 2029. Some manufacturers are resisting this. So it could last until 2030 or, as is currently the case, until 2031.
How might ongoing semiconductor shortages impact Cadillac’s ability to achieve its 2030 all-electric lineup goal?
Evaluating Cadillac’s Readiness for the Future: Are They Truly Prepared?
The Electric Shift & Cadillac’s Response
Cadillac, a brand synonymous with American luxury, faces a pivotal moment. The automotive industry is undergoing a radical change, driven by the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous driving technology, and evolving consumer preferences. The question isn’t if Cadillac will adapt,but how effectively and how quickly. Their strategy hinges on a complete overhaul, moving beyond conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to a fully electric lineup by 2030. This aspiring goal requires notable investment, technological innovation, and a fundamental shift in brand perception.
Current EV Portfolio: Lyriq & Beyond
Currently, Cadillac’s electric foray is led by the Lyriq SUV, a well-received vehicle praised for its design, technology, and driving experience. The Lyriq represents a strong first step,demonstrating Cadillac’s commitment to electrification. Though, one model isn’t enough to compete in a rapidly expanding luxury EV market.
* Lyriq Performance: Offers a range of up to 312 miles and remarkable acceleration.
* Celestiq: Cadillac’s ultra-luxury, hand-built EV sedan, aiming to compete with Rolls-Royce and Bentley. Production is limited, focusing on exclusivity and showcasing technological prowess.
* Escalade IQ: The all-electric Escalade, promising to retain the iconic SUV’s presence while delivering zero-emission performance.
The expansion beyond the Lyriq is crucial. Cadillac needs a diverse EV portfolio to cater to different segments and price points, mirroring the offerings of competitors like Tesla, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.
Technological Investments & Ultium Platform
Central to Cadillac’s future is General Motors’ Ultium platform. This modular battery and drive unit system is designed to underpin a wide range of EVs, offering scalability and cost efficiency.
Ultium Advantages:
- Battery Technology: Ultium batteries offer varying capacities and chemistries, allowing for tailored range and performance.
- Charging Infrastructure: GM is investing heavily in expanding the EV charging network, a critical factor for EV adoption.
- Software Integration: Ultium enables over-the-air (OTA) software updates, enhancing vehicle functionality and addressing potential issues remotely.
Though, reliance on a single platform also presents risks. Any issues with the Ultium platform could impact the entire GM EV lineup, including Cadillac. Moreover, competition in battery technology is fierce, with companies like CATL and LG Energy Solution constantly innovating. Cadillac needs to ensure Ultium remains competitive in terms of energy density, charging speed, and cost.
The Software-Defined Vehicle & Super Cruise
The modern automotive landscape is increasingly defined by software. Cadillac is making strides in this area, notably with its Super Cruise hands-free driving system.
super Cruise: A Competitive Edge?
* Hands-Free Driving: Super Cruise allows for hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, enhancing driver convenience and safety.
* Driver Monitoring: A driver attention system ensures the driver remains engaged while using Super Cruise.
* Expansion of Network: GM is continuously expanding the Super Cruise network, adding more highways and features.
While Super Cruise is a significant advantage, it faces competition from Tesla’s Autopilot and other advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Cadillac needs to continue innovating in software and ADAS to maintain its competitive edge. The move towards a fully software-defined vehicle is essential, allowing for new features and services to be added throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle.
Brand Perception & Luxury EV Market
Cadillac has historically struggled with brand perception, often seen as a luxury brand for an older demographic. Shifting this perception is crucial for attracting younger, tech-savvy buyers who are driving the demand for luxury electric cars.
Challenges & Opportunities:
* Attracting a Younger Demographic: Cadillac needs to appeal to millennials and Gen Z through innovative marketing and product design.
* Competing with Tesla: Tesla has established itself as the dominant player in the luxury EV market. Cadillac needs to differentiate itself through design, technology, and customer experience.
* Building a Sustainable Luxury Image: Sustainability is increasingly important to luxury consumers. Cadillac needs to demonstrate its commitment to environmental responsibility throughout its entire value chain.
Supply chain Resilience & Manufacturing Capacity
The global automotive industry has been plagued by supply chain disruptions in recent years. Cadillac, like other automakers, needs to build a more resilient supply chain to ensure it can meet demand for its EVs.
Key Considerations:
* Battery Material Sourcing: Securing a stable supply of critical battery materials like lithium, nickel, and cobalt is essential.
* Semiconductor Availability: The ongoing semiconductor shortage has impacted automotive production. Cadillac needs to diversify its semiconductor suppliers.
* Manufacturing Capacity: Expanding manufacturing capacity to meet the growing demand for EVs is a significant challenge.GM is investing billions of dollars in new EV manufacturing facilities, but scaling up production will take time.
Case Study: GM’s EV Transition & Cadillac’s Role
General Motors’ overall EV strategy provides context for Cadillac’s efforts. GM has committed to investing $35 billion in electric and autonomous vehicles through 2025.
