GM/Cadillac is the official name of the 11th team which will enter F1 from 2026 – the result of a highly anticipated and 100% American partnership between General Motors, Cadillac and Andretti… even if this name disappears . The team will become its own engine manufacturer from 2028.
Fernando Alonso will perhaps begin his last season in F1 in 2026, when GM/Cadillac will begin its first. Pat Symonds, Rob White, Nick Chester… GM/Cadillac has already recruited a number of former Renault employees. Engineers that Fernando Alonso knew well…
Does the Aston Martin F1 driver see the American team competitive from the first Grand Prix?
“11th team, 22 drivers… even this is not the first time that we will be 22 on the grid. It’s a complex decision, I suppose, for sport in general, but the reason they came to this conclusion is because it’s the best one for everyone. I will always support whatever management decision is best. »
“They have a few people who were there during the Renault days and they will definitely have a huge contribution from the start of the project, with a lot of experience in Formula 1 and the sport. So, yes, I wish them good luck. A new team never has an easy task, but I think they will be well prepared and have the right people. So, yes, welcome. »
Is Pierre Gasly happy to see, for his part, a new potential competitor in the middle of the grid appear?
“It’s exciting. This will be the first time I race with 22 cars in F1. So, yes, more rivals, probably more action, more racing. It’s an exciting, exciting time. And as Fernando said, this is a topic that has been around for a long time. So I’m sure if they came to that conclusion it means it’s the best thing to do for the sport. So, yes, I’m very excited. »
GM/Cadillac could be powered by Ferrari, but what Charles Leclerc mainly remembers is that young drivers could be offered two additional opportunities to have a seat.
“Yes, a very similar answer” continues Charles Leclerc. “It’s the first time in my career that I will see 22 drivers on the grid, and it’s exciting. I also think that there are a lot of young drivers who are waiting for a place in Formula 1, to get there, and this will obviously give more opportunities to very talented young drivers who dream of getting into Formula 1. So it’s a good thing, and yes, it’s cool to have two more cars on the grid. »
Zhou, potential candidate at GM/Cadillac?
A driver soon to be deprived of a regular seat might well be tempted to submit his CV… even if his nationality (Chinese) should not make things easier. This pilot is Guanyu Zhou. He should compete with Valtteri Bottas, who has also shown his interest (read here).
So is he applying?
“It’s a very good thing for the sport in general because a lot of people always talk about the fact that there are probably not enough seats for people, young drivers available. It is clear that we have a lot of young drivers for next year. And then, from my point of view, it’s a great opportunity and a great chance for next season that I don’t have a seat. So I can probably think about what the future will be like and try to get an opportunity there. So I’m aware of that. »
“But everything was only announced this week. We still need a little more detail on this. But for me, my priority is to try, as I always said, to have another chance to get back on the grid. So I don’t really know where I’ll be, but if there’s a chance, I’ll absolutely take it. Let’s see how the future looks. »
Even if he becomes third driver in F1, for example at Ferrari, will the current Stake driver seek to become a starter in another series? In IndyCar, in endurance?
“Actually, you know, next year I kind of decided not to run in another series, just because I feel like with all the doors that might open, not only next year, but also the year after, I want to make sure that there is a chance for me, just in case, to get back in a seat for a race. Or not… but I will be fully there to do it. So it’s very important. »
“But you want to keep the momentum of the race. But if you take this year off, I think you’ll be fine. After more than a year, we start to lose a little of this dynamic. So for me, I’m just going to make sure, in the next chapter, that I’m in a very happy place. Where I can have a chance to come back here on the grid – because I think this year hasn’t really shown my full potential yet. I want to have another chance if the opportunity presents itself. This is what we will see. »
Kevin Magnussen wouldn’t say no!
Kevin Magnussen, who lost his seat at Haas F1, also already has his sights set on Cadillac. His boss Ayao Komatsu, however, offered him a role to stay within his team.
“Ayao and I discussed what we can do together,” declared the Dane in Qatar.
“But there is a new team arriving and that changes things in terms of thinking. »
“I drove for the Cadillac factory team in IMSA in 2021 and I know the management very well. These people are involved in the Formula 1 project.”
“I haven’t spoken to them yet but I obviously will. »
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