Oracle Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen celebrates winning the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 in Austin.
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Oracle Red Bull Racing crew members roll Max Verstappen’s car to the starting line ahead of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 in Austin.
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A flyover is conducted ahead of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 in Austin.
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McLaren driver Oscar Piastri leads a group of cars into turn 13 during the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 in Austin.
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McLaren driver Oscar Piastri exits turn 15 during the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 in Austin.
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The Formula 1 United States Grand Prix trophy is displayed by the podium at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 in Austin.
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Oracle Red Bull Racing driver Yuki Tsunoda walks the paddock ahead of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 in Austin.
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The Stake F1 Team wheels the front of a car to the garage ahead of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 in Austin.
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Singer Shaboozey, left, meets podcaster Joe Rogan, right, on the starting grid of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 in Austin.
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Mercedes-AMG Petronas driver George Russell waves to the crowd before the driver parade ahead of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 in Austin.
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BWT Alpine driver Franco Colapinto waves to the crowd during the driver parade ahead of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 in Austin.
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McLaren driver Lando Norris exits turn 15 during the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 in Austin.
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Fans pack the turn one hill during the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 in Austin.
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Fans pack the turn one hill during the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 in Austin.
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Actor Glen Powell walks the starting grid of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 in Austin.
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The F1 and F1 Austin logos are displayed near the starting line of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 in Austin.
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Scuderia Ferari driver Lewis Hamilton rounds turn 13 during the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 in Austin.
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Scuderia Ferari driver Lewis Hamilton exits turn 15 during the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 in Austin.
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Scuderia Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc leads McLaren driver Lando Norris into turn 13 during the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 in Austin.
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Oracle Red Bull driver Max Verstappen celebrates winning the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 in Austin.
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Oracle Red Bull driver Max Verstappen and his team celebrate winning the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 in Austin.
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Max Verstappen, center, Lando Norris, left, and Charles Leclerc, right, stand on the podium after taking first, second and third in the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 in Austin.
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Oracle Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen celebrates winning the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
Oracle Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen celebrates winning the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
For generations, Cadillac has represented the quintessential American luxury car.
Next year the classic General Motors product will go racing in the high-brow world of Formula One.
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Oracle Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen celebrates winning the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
Oracle Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen celebrates winning the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
Actor Glen Powell walks the starting grid of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 in Austin.
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Athlete Miles Chamley-Watson walks the starting grid of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 in Austin.
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Podcaster Joe Rogan walks the starting grid of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 in Austin.
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Actor Matthew McConaughey talks to podcaster Joe Rogan on the starting grid of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 in Austin.
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Singer Shaboozey, left, meets podcaster Joe Rogan, right, on the starting grid of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 in Austin.
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Singer Drake Milligan walks the starting grid of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 in Austin.
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Choi Seung-cheil, known as S. Coups, a South Korean singer and songwriter, walks the paddock before Formula 1 United States Grand Prix qualifying at Circuit of the Americas on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Austin.
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Actor Matthew McConaughey talks to podcaster Joe Rogan on the starting grid of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 in Austin.
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Olympic athlete Leo Neugebauer walks the starting grid ahead of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix sprint race at Circuit of the Americas on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Austin.
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Internet personality Hannah Stocking walks the paddock before Formula 1 United States Grand Prix qualifying at Circuit of the Americas on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Austin.
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Actor Glen Powell is interviewed on the starting grid of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 in Austin.
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Houston Texans cheerleaders walk the paddock during qualifying for the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Austin.
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AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 17: Leo, dog owned by Charles Leclerc of Monaco and Ferrari and Alexandra Saint Mleux, walks in the paddock during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of United States at Circuit of The Americas on October 17, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Kym Illman/Getty Images)
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AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 19: Zachary Levi in the Oracle Red Bull Racing garage prior to the F1 Grand Prix of United States at Circuit of The Americas on October 19, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
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AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 18: Tara Davis-Woodhall looks on during the Sprint ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of United States at Circuit of The Americas on October 18, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Mario Renzi – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
Mario Renzi – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images
French swimmer Leon Marchand rides an artificial bull during the qualifying session for the United States Formula One Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, on October 18, 2025. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP) (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)
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German track and field athlete Leo Neugebauer waves during the United States Formula One Sprint at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, on October 18, 2025. (Photo by John Locher / POOL / AFP) (Photo by JOHN LOCHER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
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Legendary talk show host and car collector Jay Leno is seen in the paddock ahead of the Formula 1 MSC Cruises United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, U.S.A., on October 17, 2025. (Photo by Reginald Mathalone/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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French swimmer Leon Marchand (L) stands for a photo after speaking with ESPN during the qualifying session for the United States Formula One Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, on October 18, 2025. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP) (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)
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AUSTIN, TX – OCTOBER 17: Laurette Nicoll during a fan question and answer sessions before the first practice session of the Formula 1 MSC Cruises United States Grand Prix on October 17, 2025, at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas.(Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 17: Model and girlfriend of Carlos Sainz of Spain and Williams, Rebecca Donaldson walks in the paddock during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of United States at Circuit of The Americas on October 17, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Kym Illman/Getty Images)
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AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 19: Jett and Hunter Lawrence arrive in the Paddock prior to the F1 Grand Prix of United States at Circuit of The Americas on October 19, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Mark Sutton – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
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AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 19: Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna walks in the paddock during the F1 Grand Prix of United States at Circuit of The Americas on October 19, 2025 in Austin, United States. (Photo by Kym Illman/Getty Images)
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AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 17: Leo Neugebauer in the Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber garage during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of United States at Circuit of The Americas on October 17, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Mark Sutton – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
Mark Sutton – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images
AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 19: Warren Zeiders arrives in the Paddock prior to the F1 Grand Prix of United States at Circuit of The Americas on October 19, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
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US track and field athlete Tara Davis-Woodhall walks in the paddock during the qualifying session for the United States Formula One Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, on October 18, 2025. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP) (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)
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French swimmer Leon Marchand (L) and Carole Bluzat pose for a photo with the F1 World Drivers’ Championship trophy while getting a VIP tour of the track following the qualifying session for the United States Formula One Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, on October 18, 2025. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP) (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)
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AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 18: De Bankzitters in the Paddock prior to the Sprint ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of United States at Circuit of The Americas on October 18, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Mark Sutton – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
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AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 17: Hannah St. John looks on in the Paddock prior to practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of United States at Circuit of The Americas on October 17, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
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AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 18: Jason Oppenheim and Jessica Vargas in the Paddock prior to Qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of United States at Circuit of The Americas on October 18, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Mark Sutton – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
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AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 17: Jay Leno in the Haas F1 garage during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of United States at Circuit of The Americas on October 17, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Mark Sutton – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
Mark Sutton – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images
AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 18: Alexandra Saint Mleux arrives in the Paddock prior to the Sprint ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of United States at Circuit of The Americas on October 18, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Mark Sutton – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
Mark Sutton – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images
French swimmer Leon Marchand (R) visits the paddock ahead of the qualifying session for the United States Formula One Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, on October 18, 2025. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP) (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)
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AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 19: Alexandra Saint Mleux and Leo walk in the Paddock prior to the F1 Grand Prix of United States at Circuit of The Americas on October 19, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
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AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 19: Chace Crawford and Kelsey Merritt in the Oracle Red Bull Racing garage prior to the F1 Grand Prix of United States at Circuit of The Americas on October 19, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
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AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 19: Racing driver Tatiana Calderón poses for a photo in the paddock during the F1 Grand Prix of United States at Circuit of The Americas on October 19, 2025 in Austin, United States. (Photo by Kym Illman/Getty Images)
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TWC Cadillac F1 Team brought a significant presence to Austin leading up to this past week’s United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. There is a massive amount of work to be done before the 2026 opener May 7 in Australia.
RELATED: New contract will keep Formula One at COTA through the 2034 F1 season
“The entire scope of the project is pretty frightening,” executive engineering consultant Pat Symonds told an Austin press conference. “There is an incredible commitment from Cadillac. At the beginning of the year, we had 159 people working in the UK with various support. By the time we got the entry in March, we were up to 209, and now we’re at 426.”
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Cadillac paid a staggering $450 million entry fee.
Alfa Romeo driver Valtteri Bottas of Finland, left, and Red Bull driver Sergio Perez of Mexico participate in a media conference ahead of the Formula One Grand Prix at the Spa-Francorchamps racetrack in Spa, Belgium, July 27, 2023.
Geert Vanden Wijngaert/Associated Press
F1 prez: ‘We need to tap into the large U.S. market’
FIA President Muhammed Ben Sulayem told the American-Statesman he’s pleased there will be a greater American presence in the sport, especially in a 2026 that will be full of new technical and power-unit regulations.
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“Cadillac/GM represents high quality,” the United Arab Emirates former racer said in an exclusive interview before Sunday’s race. “The Andretti family was involved. They are backed by resources. I must tell you Cadillac met with massive resistance among the other teams. But we think globally. We also have Ford coming in a support role (for Red Bull). We need to tap into the large U.S. market.”
MORE: Lewis Hamilton remains a fan favorite around Circuit of the Americas
Cadillac will become the first new constructor since Haas in 2016. For the first few years, it will be a Ferrari customer before eventually making its own engines. Cadillac will have three U.S. bases — in North Carolina, Michigan and Indiana — and one in the United Kingdom.
What Cadillac won’t have from the outset is American drivers. Mexican veteran Sergio Perez and Finland’s Valtteri Bottas were signed, though young Californian Colton Herta will be their test driver.
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“Starting fresh, we wanted experienced drivers,” Symonds said.
This artists rendering is provided by General Motors. General Motors has registered with Formula One’s governing body to become an engine supplier starting in 2028 in what is seen as a huge boost to Michael Andretti’s bid to join the global motorsports series. The announcement comes ahead of this weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix, where three senior GM executives plan to be in attendance to help push Andretti Global’s bid forward with F1. (General Motors via AP)
General Motors/Associated Press via GM
Formula One fans: It won’t be easy, Cadillac
TWC Cadillac F1 Team tries to simulate everything at the Grand Prix weekends except, of course, being on the track.
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“We do all our pre-race preparation documents, our strategy documents, our run plans, meeting schedule, which even goes as far ensuring we set aside time for drivers to talk to the media,” Symonds said.
The learning curve, though, is steep.
Haas F1 Team has endured a bumpy ride, finishing 8th, 8th, 10th and 7th of 10 teams the last four years. While their racing headquarters are in NASCAR country of Kannapolis, N.C., the cars use Ferrari engines, are designed in Italy with logistics and support in England.
American fans interviewed at COTA are happy Cadillac is getting involved but fearful of the results.
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Oracle Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen exits turn 16 during the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 in Austin.
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“I come to this race and pull for Haas, but it seems they’re buried near the back of the grid,” said Marco Gonzales, 38, of Houston. “Can Cadillac expect anything different?”
Jenna Freeman, 32, from the St. Louis area, said, “F1 has such a hierarchy with McLaren, Mercedes, etc. Breaking their hold has got to be super difficult.”
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Perhaps. Yet Cadillac has a larger budget, experienced management, strong institutional support and more direct backing from General Motors than privately funded Haas.
“Speaking for our whole operation, there are an awful lot of things I think are real front-of-the-grid qualities,” Symonds said.