The US Department of Justice has reportedly forced the hand of Formula 1, which recently accepted Cadillac's application as a new team starting in the 2026 season.
The announcement of Cadillac's arrival in Formula 1 for the 2026 season surprised many observers. If this decision is welcomed by some American fans, it seems above all to be the result of political and legal pressure exerted by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ).
An antitrust investigation at the heart of tensions
It all started with the ambitious project of Michael Andretti, who wanted to introduce a new team into F1 via a selection process supervised by the FIA. However, this dream encountered fierce opposition from Liberty Media, owner of the commercial rights to the championship, who demanded solid financial guarantees to protect the interests of the ten current teams.
This refusal quickly piqued the interest of the DOJ, which launched an antitrust investigation in August. According to information relayed by journalist Joe Saward, this investigation would have shed light on confidential communications between Liberty Media executives and several influential teams, including Mercedes, Ferrari, Aston Martin, McLaren and Red Bull. These exchanges, carried out via WhatsApp, would have revealed collusion aimed at preventing the arrival of new competitors.
Cadillac: a political and economic solution
Faced with increasing pressure from the DOJ and the risk of a public scandal, Liberty Media opted for a quick solution. The entry of Cadillac, a subsidiary of General Motors, was validated as a compromise. This choice not only helps ease political tensions, but also appeals to the American public by integrating a national brand on the grid.
The initial project, led by Andretti, was restructured under the direction of Dan Towriss to favor a more “corporate” image and avoid direct confrontations. The absence of Andretti in Cadillac's official announcement also testifies to persistent tensions between the different parties.
An economic model under pressure
If Cadillac can rejoice in its future entry into Formula 1, this decision highlights the flaws in the sport's current economic model. Financial and political interests seem to increasingly distance the championship from its sporting essence.
Formula 1 will have to find a balance between its economic ambitions and the spirit of competition. It remains to be seen whether the arrival of Cadillac will mark a new beginning or whether it will only exacerbate the divisions between those involved in the sport.
