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Cadillac's F1 Debut: Super Bowl Reveal Signals American Motorsport Push

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Cadillac is making a bold entrance into Formula 1 with plans to race American-made engines by 2028 or 2029. The luxury automaker will unveil its first F1 car livery during a Super Bowl commercial Sunday, marking a significant moment for American motorsport on the global stage. This strategic move positions Cadillac as the eleventh team in the championship.

Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas will drive for Cadillac at its debut in the Australian Grand Prix on March 8. The team's lineup prioritizes experience over nationality, with both drivers bringing championship-winning pedigree from their time with Red Bull and Mercedes respectively. American driver Colton Herta has been signed to an academy deal and will compete in Formula 2 to prepare for future F1 opportunities.

The path to Cadillac's entry was far from smooth. Originally fronted by Michael Andretti, the project faced resistance from existing teams reluctant to dilute prize money. Formula 1's existing teams questioned whether a newcomer could genuinely add value to the championship. Cadillac eventually secured entry by agreeing to pay a $200 million anti-dilution fee to compensate competitors.

While Cadillac will race with Ferrari power units for its first two seasons, the long-term vision centers on developing American-made engines. The team's technical operations span multiple facilities including a primary headquarters near Silverstone in the U.K. and engine development in Charlotte, North Carolina. Quick Fact: Cadillac's entry marks the first new F1 team in a decade since Haas joined in 2016.