F1 paddock veterans say Cadillac could be a force in 2026

As Cadillac prepares to make its Formula 1 debut in 2026, two prominent figures in the paddock suggest the American outfit could shake up the grid sooner than expected.

With a fully staffed technical team, an experienced leadership group, and drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, the GM-backed American outfit is already drawing attention from rivals who see the team as more than just a newcomer.

In the closing stages of the 2025 season last November, Aston Martin sporting director Andy Stevenson, a multi-decade F1 veteran, spoke openly about Cadillac’s potential.

“Yeah, I mean, it’s very difficult for us to say how Cadillac are going to manage it,” Stevenson told reporters, quoted by Motorsport Week. “They’re obviously putting together a very professional team and they have good finances behind them.

“As for Checo, I’m a huge fan of Checo and I’d love to see him relaunch his career. He’s a fantastic talent.

“He’s a great race driver and I think it will be great to see him back on the circuit again. So I’m looking forward to that.”

However, that admiration comes with a competitive edge.

“I’m hoping that Cadillac don’t go too well, but they’re certainly someone that we’re not going to dismiss,” added the Briton.

“Yeah, they are a genuine challenge and from what we’ve seen so far, they’ll be a very professional outfit.”

Stevenson’s remarks underline a rare combination in F1: cautious respect for a new team paired with genuine curiosity about its capabilities.

Cadillac already has a Silverstone base, a technical staff led by former Marussia boss Graeme Lowdon, and has completed both simulator runs and on-track mileage using a loaned two-year-old Ferrari SF-23.

Lessons from the Past

Cadillac’s entry comes as F1 begins a new regulation cycle, which brings uncertainty and opportunity alike. Observers note that this reset could work in favor of a fresh team willing to invest heavily in infrastructure and preparation.

Simone Resta, deputy technical director at Mercedes, echoed Stevenson’s assessment:

“They are investing a lot, they are hiring a lot, they’re approaching the problem in a nice way, as far as we can see from outside,” said the Italian.

“It’s a lot of challenges, like we said, but also they’ll count on a Ferrari power unit, so they’ve got one problem less, let’s say, to look after and I think they can be in the mix.

“We’ve seen in some of the small teams, like it happened, for example, in my previous experience at Haas, that you can start a new cycle with a very small team and do nice things from the beginning, so I wouldn’t underestimate them.

“It’s going to be a challenge, but everyone can do it.”

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Resta’s words hint at the tantalizing possibility that Cadillac, despite its newcomer status, could be in the fight from the first race, much like other teams that capitalized on regulatory resets in the past.

With an ambitious setup, experienced leadership, and two proven drivers, Cadillac is quietly staking its claim as a potential disruptor in 2026.

While rivals hope the Americans stumble, insiders in the paddock are already preparing for the possibility that Cadillac may be more than just another debutant – it could be the season’s surprise package.

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