Cadillac set to capitalise on little-known F1 'loophole' to give them 'major advantage' in 2026

Cadillac/General Motors are reportedly set to take advantage of a little-known loophole in a bid to get a big head start before they enter Formula 1 in 2026.

On Monday, it was confirmed that a deal has been agreed in principle for GM and Cadillac to become the 11th team on the F1 grid.

An official statement read: "Formula 1 announced today that it has reached an agreement in principle with General Motors (GM) to support bringing GM/Cadillac as the 11th team to the Formula 1 grid in 2026. Formula 1 has maintained a dialogue with General Motors, and its partners at TWG Global, regarding the viability of an entry following the commercial assessment and decision made by Formula 1 in January 2024.

"Over the course of this year, they have achieved operational milestones and made clear their commitment to brand the eleventh team GM/Cadillac, and that GM will enter as an engine supplier at a later time. Formula 1 is therefore pleased to move forward with this application process and will provide further updates in due course."

Their bid to enter F1 was given the green light on the back of controversial figure Michael Andretti stepping away from a leading role, with Dan Towriss now the majority owner of the Andretti/GM/Cadillac project.

Although the new team will not sport the Andretti name, F1 legend Mario Andretti is set to be on the board of directors.

Prior to their entry in 2026, it has been claimed that Cadillac/GM are set to get a head start over their rivals.

As reported by F1 journalist Adam Cooper, they have already started work in the wind tunnel for 2026, which current teams on the grid can't do until January.

Cooper wrote on social media: "Worth noting that the Andretti/Cadillac aero guys have been busy for months working in Toyota's Cologne tunnel on a car for the 2026 regs - which current teams can't do until Jan 1 2025. A useful head start..."

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Cadillac/GM can start work on their 2026 cars already because they are not yet an official F1 team, meaning the sport's regulations do not limit them.

Speaking about the deal, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of F1's governing body, the FIA, said: "General Motors is a huge global brand and powerhouse in the OEM world and is working with impressive partners.

"I am fully supportive of the efforts made by the FIA, Formula 1, GM and the team to maintain dialogue and work towards this outcome of an agreement in principle to progress this application to bring a GM/Cadillac branded team on the grid for the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship. All parties, including the FIA, will continue to work together to ensure the process progresses smoothly."