Cadillac F1 commitment will not cancel their IMSA/WEC Programs

Cadillac says they are ‘committed’ to their sportscar programs amid announced plans to enter Formula 1 at the start of 2026.

“We are committed to competing full-time in IMSA and the WEC,” said a Cadillac spokesperson. However, some wonder if that won’t change because the annual financial commitment for F1 is so large. Cadillac is deeply involved with the F1 car being designed and built for them by partner Andretti Global.

“Formula 1 is a great addition to our racing portfolio.”

Cadillac debuted the V-Series.R LMDh last year into IMSA’s GTP and the FIA World Endurance Championship’s Hypercar classes.

The five-year homologation cycle for the package will last their racer until the end of 2026, which is the same year the Cadillac F1 team enters F1. In 2028 the Cadillac F1 commitment is even greater when their F1 engine debuts.

From thereon in, IMSA and WEC are praying that they develop a successor to the V-Series.R with the GTP/Hypercar regulations stretched until at least 2029.

For the 2025 IMSA season, Cadillac continues to work with Action Express Racing along with Wayne Taylor Racing (WTR) in IMSA.

Meanwhile, in the WEC, the General Motors manufacturer has begun a new chapter with JOTA Sport for their first factory effort in the championship.

According to Mario Andretti, One experienced F1 driver and one American (likely Colton Herta) are being considered as drivers for the Cadillac F1 team.

“I think you have to keep those options open since it’s going to be a whole next season where we’re not going to be players,” said Andretti.

The 24-year-old Herta raced at Andretti Global in the 2024 NTT IndyCar Series, rounding out the year in second place after securing three pole positions, two race wins and 10 top-five finishes in 2024.

Herta signed with McLaren as a Development Driver in 2022, testing the MCL35M around the Algarve International Circuit in July, a two-day test that “seriously impressed” watchful eyes, even gaining the attention of Red Bull who were interested in signing Herta to AlphaTauri for 2023, however, without enough points to earn a Super license, F1 became a distant dream.

Andretti also confirmed that the development of the Cadillac F1 power unit is scheduled for completion in 2028, with Ferrari the front-running supplier in the meantime.

“[The Ferrari engine is] what we’re talking about,” the Cadillac Board Member said.

“That’s not definite yet, but that’s the objective. And that’s the preference.”

The 1978 World Champion added: “Even my history with Ferrari, and my relationship with Mr. Ferrari — all of it plays, plays tremendously.