Cadillac’s path into Formula 1 was shaped as much by internal restructuring as by behind-the-scenes politics, according to new comments from Dan Towriss, the executive leading the automaker’s incoming F1 program.
Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports, said negotiations with Formula 1 stakeholders became increasingly complex and politically charged during the team’s bid to join the grid, contributing to a major leadership shift that saw Michael Andretti step aside in late 2024.
Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, approved Andretti Global’s application to enter the championship in 2023 after opening the process to new teams. The bid, backed by General Motors through its Cadillac brand, was the only submission to clear the FIA’s evaluation.
However, Formula One Management, which oversees the sport’s commercial rights under Liberty Media, later rejected the entry, arguing it did not sufficiently add value to the championship. While the decision shut the door on Andretti’s proposal, F1 officials signaled continued interest in Cadillac as a long-term partner.
The rejection triggered political fallout, including an antitrust inquiry in the United States and sharp public criticism from the Andretti family. Amid the growing tension, Andretti chose to withdraw from day-to-day leadership of the program, allowing Towriss to assume a more central role.
Speaking to reporters at the IndyCar season opener in St. Petersburg, Florida, Towriss said the discussions with Formula 1 grew increasingly difficult as misunderstandings emerged around key elements of the proposal.
He acknowledged that certain aspects of the Cadillac-backed entry were not fully understood by Liberty Media and that negotiations became highly sensitive as outside pressures mounted.
Towriss also suggested that personalities played a role in the outcome, pointing to public remarks previously attributed to Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei regarding Michael Andretti’s involvement in Formula 1.
Despite the turbulence, Cadillac’s bid ultimately succeeded. Formula 1 confirmed the team’s provisional approval in late 2024 and formally ratified its entry for the 2026 season ahead of the current campaign.
The team will initially compete as a Ferrari-powered customer operation, with plans to develop its own power unit later in the decade. Cadillac will become Formula 1’s 11th team, marking a significant expansion of the grid and a major milestone for American involvement in the sport.
Andretti, for his part, has since said he feels relieved to be removed from the pressure of the process, describing the experience as draining but expressing confidence in the team’s future under new leadership.
