Cadillac’s F1 Gamble: Can artificial intelligence deliver results? – Cadillac’s preparations for their highly anticipated entry into Formula 1 are progressing behind the scenes, with artificial intelligence set to play a pivotal role. The American manufacturer has announced a partnership with IFS, an industrial AI software specialist, in a move designed to help the new team operate efficiently and stay within Formula 1’s strict cost cap regulations.
For a team entering the sport for the first time in over a decade, the challenge lies in being competitive without the inefficiencies that often affect new operations. Cadillac’s decision to embed AI-driven systems from the outset signals a strategy focused on structure, automation, and long-term sustainability rather than short-term improvisation.
The IFS partnership covers the entire operation
Under the agreement, IFS will become Cadillac Formula 1’s official technology partner and will work with the team from March 2024. The software provider will support a wide range of activities, including supply chain management, production planning, and quality control.
These areas are becoming increasingly important in modern Formula 1, where the speed of development must be balanced against financial constraints. By using AI to monitor workflows, predict bottlenecks and optimise resource allocation, Cadillac aims to reduce waste and eliminate unnecessary manual processes. The IFS brand will also be prominently featured across team assets, including the cars, driver suits, and team apparel.
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Staying competitive under the cost cap
This partnership is clearly geared towards ensuring compliance with Formula 1’s budget cap and upcoming technical regulations. AI-driven decision-making can help teams evaluate design options more efficiently, prioritise upgrades, and avoid costly errors in manufacturing or logistics.
Beyond car development, the technology will support race operations by helping Cadillac analyse data, streamline processes, and respond more quickly to changing conditions. In a sport where marginal gains can determine championship positions, such efficiencies can directly impact performance on the track.
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Commercial progress still measured
In commercial terms, Cadillac’s Formula 1 project has so far adopted a relatively restrained approach. The team has announced partnerships with Tommy Hilfiger and Jim Beam, but has yet to unveil a title sponsor. Reports suggest that Cadillac is seeking a major partner willing to invest up to $70 million.
While the commercial side continues to develop, the collaboration with IFS highlights Cadillac’s current priorities. Rather than focusing solely on sponsorship visibility, the team appears intent on building a robust operational foundation capable of supporting long-term competitiveness.
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Leadership emphasises early integration
Cadillac Team Principal Graeme Lowdon stressed the importance of implementing AI systems at the earliest possible stage. According to Lowdon, IFS was embedded into the team’s operations even before the basic infrastructure was fully in place.
He explained that the software has enabled Cadillac to scale up quickly while maintaining best practices, managing complexity, and accelerating innovation. The system supports smarter decision-making across the board, from engineering to supply chain logistics, allowing the team to concentrate on its core objective of building a competitive car and delivering results on track.
As Cadillac moves closer to its Formula 1 debut, this focus on AI suggests a modern, data-driven approach designed to avoid the growing pains that have hindered previous newcomers.
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McLaren’s divisive ‘papaya rules’ to change? – The McLaren team’s comeback has been a remarkable Formula One tale. Having ditched Ron Dennis, the legendary team owner and principal in 2017 McLaren’s fortunes have been on the rise.
Dennis was obsessed with being a works based team with an engine supplier solely dedicated to the McLaren cause. And with long term partner Mercedes deciding to adventure once again into owing a team in 2010, this left McLaren on the back foot.
To be fair to Dennis when the new V6 hybrid era began in 2014, the power unit manufacturers who owned teams were allowed preferential treatment under the FIA’s rules. This meant their team would get any PU upgrades first, with customers having to wait until the factory could build enough.
Papaya rules dominate 2025 headlines
All this has now changed since Mercedes’ dominant era and F1 customer teams now must be given the same specification of powertrains that the manufacturers run in their own car. But for McLaren, Dennis’ adventure with Honda was a disaster and saw the team finish a lowly 9th in the constructors’ championship in 2017.
Zak Brown was subsequently appointed CEO of McLaren Racing and their fortunes have been on the up ever since. They are the first ‘customer team’ to win the constructors’ title since Brawn GP in 2009 and for two seasons now have dominated their PU supplier Mercedes.
Yet despite their second team title and Lando Norris maiden F1 championship, McLaren are a team under scrutiny. Much of which comes from their decision to make public their rules of combat between the drivers. ‘Papaya rules’ often dominated the headlines in 2025, with Oscar Piastri finally admitting the team orders in Monza affected his mentality and ultimately his title chance.
The papaya rules are McLaren’s rule book for their drivers which state the team comes ahead of any individual glory, emphasising no contact should be made and the drivers must respect whatever…READ MORE ON THIS STORY
Stanton is a London-based journalist specialising in sports business and sponsorship. With a degree in economics and years reporting for business-focused publications, Stanton translates F1’s complex financial world into clear, compelling narratives.