Jonas Leo
In a powerful statement broadcast during the National Football League’s Super Bowl, Cadillac dramatically revealed its inaugural Formula 1 car livery, marking a significant milestone ahead of its 2026 entry into the pinnacle of global motorsport. The American luxury brand’s challenger, whose official nomenclature remains under wraps, is set to feature a striking and historically resonant two-sided design: a sophisticated grayish-white dominating its left flank, contrasted sharply with a bold, deep black on its right. This innovative aesthetic choice was simultaneously showcased in the bustling heart of New York City’s Times Square, underscoring Cadillac’s ambition to transcend traditional motorsport boundaries and connect with a broader cultural audience.
The distinctive split-livery design immediately drew comparisons to one of Formula 1’s most memorable and controversial liveries: the British American Racing (BAR) car from the 1999 season. That year, BAR, under the ambitious leadership of Craig Pollock and backed by tobacco giants British American Tobacco, had sought to promote two distinct cigarette brands, Lucky Strike and 555, on a single car. The FIA, F1’s governing body, initially resisted, citing regulations that required a single, consistent livery. A compromise was eventually reached, allowing BAR to run a half-and-half design, with Lucky Strike’s red and white on one side and 555’s blue and yellow on the other, bisected by a prominent zipper motif down the centre of the car. While Cadillac’s motivation is purely aesthetic and brand representation rather than a sponsor dispute, the visual echo of BAR’s audacious design serves to highlight the American entrant’s willingness to challenge conventional F1 aesthetics and create a memorable visual identity from the outset.
The choice of a dual-tone livery for Cadillac is a bold departure from the more monolithic or subtly integrated designs prevalent in contemporary Formula 1. The grayish-white side is expected to evoke Cadillac’s heritage of luxury and sophistication, often associated with pristine, cutting-edge design. In contrast, the black side could symbolize raw performance, aggression, and the cutting-edge technology inherent in Formula 1 racing, mirroring the dark, carbon-fiber elements often left exposed on modern F1 machinery. This juxtaposition creates a dynamic visual that could appear different depending on the camera angle or the car’s orientation on track, offering unique branding opportunities and a distinct presence.
Early glimpses of the livery also revealed a strategic collection of partners aligning with Cadillac’s F1 venture. Prominently featured on the sidepods is "TWG," identified as the team’s owner, indicating a foundational partnership in the team’s operational structure. The rear wing endplates bear the logo of IFS, a Swedish software company, signaling a commitment to advanced technological solutions and data-driven performance, areas critical to success in modern Formula 1. The bargeboards display the recognizable branding of American bourbon whiskey giant Jim Beam, a significant move for an American team to bring a quintessential American brand into the global spotlight of F1. This is complemented by the presence of Mexican telecommunications company Claro, a long-standing supporter of one of the team’s drivers, Sergio Perez. Claro’s sister brand, Telcel, also a consistent backer of Perez throughout his career, has a more discreet but visible presence just ahead of the cockpit. Fashion brand Tommy Hilfiger is also among the logos gracing the nosecone, further cementing the team’s ties to global lifestyle and luxury markets, reflecting Formula 1’s growing appeal beyond traditional motorsport demographics.
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Dan Towriss, CEO of the Cadillac F1 team, articulated the profound significance behind the chosen livery. "This livery represents far more than a paint scheme; it represents who we are and what we bring to Formula 1," Towriss stated. "Every detail is intentional: bold, modern, and unmistakably American, while respecting the heritage and precision that define this sport." His remarks underscore a deliberate strategy to infuse the team with a strong American identity while acknowledging and honoring the rich, established traditions of Formula 1. The dual unveiling, simultaneously during the Super Bowl advertisement and in a public display in Times Square, was a calculated move to maximize exposure. "Choosing to reveal our first race livery during the Super Bowl and in the heart of Times Square is a way to introduce our identity to the world at the intersection of performance, culture, and entertainment, and to connect with fans in places far beyond the paddock," Towriss added, highlighting the team’s intent to engage a broad, diverse audience from day one.
The driver lineup for Cadillac’s 2026 debut further emphasizes a blend of seasoned experience and proven talent. Both Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas are slated to return to the grid, having spent the 2025 season on the sidelines in a planned hiatus before joining the new American outfit. Their combined career statistics speak volumes about the caliber of drivers Cadillac has attracted: an impressive total of 16 Grand Prix victories, 23 pole positions, and a staggering 106 podium finishes.
Sergio Perez, the 36-year-old Mexican driver, brings a wealth of experience from a career spanning multiple teams, including Sauber, McLaren, Force India/Racing Point, and most notably, Red Bull Racing. Known for his exceptional tyre management, particularly on street circuits, and his tenacious race craft, Perez has secured significant victories, including the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix with Racing Point and multiple wins with Red Bull, such as the 2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix and the 2022 Monaco Grand Prix. His consistent performance and ability to adapt to varying conditions will be invaluable for a new team finding its footing in F1’s highly competitive environment. His strong ties to Mexican sponsors like Claro and Telcel further solidify the team’s commercial appeal in key markets.
Valtteri Bottas, the 36-year-old Finn, contributes an equally impressive resume. His career has seen him drive for Williams, Mercedes, and Stake F1 Team (formerly Alfa Romeo). Bottas’s five-season tenure at Mercedes, a period of unprecedented dominance for the German constructor, accounts for the lion’s share of his career achievements. During this time, he clinched 10 Grand Prix victories, including the 2017 Russian Grand Prix and the 2019 Australian Grand Prix, and contributed significantly to Mercedes’ Constructors’ Championship triumphs. Renowned for his blistering one-lap pace, strong qualifying performances, and technical feedback, Bottas’s analytical approach will be crucial in developing Cadillac’s inaugural F1 car. His experience at the sharp end of the grid, battling for championships, will provide a vital benchmark for the team’s aspirations.
The return of both drivers after a year away from active competition in 2025 adds an intriguing narrative layer. While a sabbatical could be perceived as a disadvantage, it could also offer a period of rejuvenation and fresh perspective, allowing them to return fully motivated and focused on the challenge of building a new team. Their collective experience, both in winning races and developing cars, will be a cornerstone of Cadillac’s technical and sporting strategy.
Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 for the 2026 season aligns with a new era for the sport, marked by significant regulatory changes. The 2026 technical regulations will introduce new power unit specifications, emphasizing sustainable fuels and increased electrical power, alongside revised chassis rules aimed at promoting closer racing and reducing car size. These changes present both immense challenges and a unique opportunity for new entrants like Cadillac to compete on a more level playing field, potentially closing the gap to established teams. The team, backed by the global automotive giant General Motors and widely understood to be operating in conjunction with Andretti Global, signifies a major boost for American presence in Formula 1, both on the manufacturing and team fronts. Cadillac’s broader motorsport pedigree, including successful campaigns in IMSA and the World Endurance Championship, provides a foundation of high-performance engineering expertise that will be leveraged for their F1 endeavor.
The anticipation surrounding Cadillac’s 2026 debut is palpable. With a bold livery, a seasoned driver pairing, and the backing of a major American automotive force, the team is poised to make a significant impact, not just on the track, but also in capturing the imagination of a rapidly expanding global fanbase. The strategic launch during the Super Bowl and in Times Square sets a precedent for how this American team intends to engage with the world, bridging the gap between elite motorsport and mainstream entertainment.
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Author Profile
- Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.
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