Cadillac Roars into F1 with Super Bowl Splash

Cadillac is making a high-profile debut in Formula 1, marking its arrival with a Super Bowl commercial to unveil its car's livery. This marks the first new team to join the sport in eight years. The team is backed by General Motors and has a long-term vision to develop and race with American-made engines by 2028 or 2029. Initially, Cadillac will use Ferrari power units for at least its first two seasons while its engine program is established.

The team faced significant hurdles, including initial opposition from existing F1 teams and a $200 million anti-dilution fee. Despite the original bid's aim to include an American driver, Cadillac has signed experienced race winners Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas for its inaugural season, which begins at the Australian Grand Prix on March 8. American talent Colton Herta is part of the team's academy and will compete in Formula 2 to prepare for a future F1 step.

Cadillac aims to bring a distinctly American, entertainment-focused approach to Formula 1. While expectations for immediate success are tempered due to the challenge of building a modern F1 operation from scratch, the team is committed to a long-term journey. The introduction of a budget cap since 2021 is seen as a factor that could level the playing field, offering a better chance for newer teams to compete.