Cadillac had to fight for decades against an image linked to luxury and comfort, trying to prove that “Art and Science” could also work on the track.
Here is their journey in motorsport, from the early days to their new adventure in Formula 1.
TOURING E NASCAR
In the early 2000s, Cadillac wanted to prove that its new saloons could compete with European models in terms of performance and durability.
The CTS-V was born. It was an imposing, long and heavy car in a league dominated by more compact cars such as the BMW 320i and Alfa Romeo 156. It was a tough challenge.
The CTS-V was a veritable “battleship” among torpedo boats. It was very powerful (over 450 hp) on straights, but suffered greatly in slow corners and direction changes due to its weight and size. Despite this, it achieved some notable results.
The best moment was probably in 2004, when Johnny O'Connell managed to qualify and fight for the top positions on the difficult Spa-Francorchamps track.
IMSA WHEATERTECH SPORTSCAR CHAMPIONSHIP
After more than a decade away, Cadillac returned to motorsport in 2017, and did so in style, becoming the dominant force in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
The New DPi Challenge: Cadillac seized the opportunity offered by the new DPi (Daytona Prototype International) category, which allowed manufacturers to bring their own engines and designs while maintaining a common chassis supplied by Dallara. Cadillac teamed up with Wayne Taylor Racing and Action Express Racing to introduce the Cadillac DPi-V.R.
The Cadillac DPi-V.R literally dominated the scene. It won the prestigious 24 Hours of Daytona five times between 2017 and 2023, the manufacturers' title for five consecutive years (from 2017 to 2021) and won numerous drivers' titles.
In addition to Daytona, it has won the other two major endurance races, the 12 Hours of Sebring and Petit Le Mans, completing the IMSA endurance racing “Triple Crown”.
FIA WORLD ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP
They made their debut in 2017 in the Garage 56 class (unranked). Since 2023, they officially participate in the World Endurance Championship with the V-Series.R in the new Hypercar class.
A powerful 5.5-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine developed by Cadillac, combined with a hybrid system (supplied by Bosch and Williams Advanced Engineering) that recovers energy during braking. The choice of a naturally aspirated V8 engine in an era of turbocharged engines and complex hybrids was a statement of intent: American power and sound.
The goal is clear: to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 2023, they finished third, an exceptional result for their debut. The challenge is on, against Toyota, Ferrari, Porsche, and Peugeot.
THE NEWEST CHALLENGE: F1
Cadillac will not build its own engine from scratch. The entry is planned as a supplier of Cadillac-badged engines. General Motors will develop the technology for the power unit, starting with a collaboration with an existing manufacturer such as Honda, which will be branded Cadillac.
The project is led by Andretti Global, Michael Andretti's powerful American team, which has received technical and brand support from GM/Cadillac. The proposed name is “Andretti Cadillac.” They have obtained approval from the FIA (the federation), but still have to overcome the final and decisive hurdle: a commercial agreement with the Formula 1 Group (Liberty Media).
Entry is officially proposed for the 2026 season, coinciding with the new engine regulations.
On 8th of February, Cadillac announced the livery of the 2026 car in a television commercial during the Super Bowl. The car will be driven by Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas.
Everything is now ready for their debut.
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