Cadillac CEO Criticizes Ford's F1 Entry as 'Marketing Deal' Ahead of GM Rivalry

Cadillac CEO Dan Towriss has ignited the upcoming General Motors-Ford rivalry in Formula 1 by labeling Ford’s partnership with Red Bull as merely a "marketing deal." Towriss emphasized GM's deep engineering integration and equity ownership in the new Cadillac team, contrasting it sharply with what he perceives as Ford's limited involvement. Ford officials quickly fired back, asserting their technical commitment to the Red Bull Powertrains project and dismissing the notion that their role is superficial.

Why it matters:

The impending arrival of GM and Ford in 2026 brings one of motorsport's most iconic rivalries to the pinnacle of racing for the first time. This public spat highlights the divergent strategies manufacturers are adopting: building a team from scratch versus partnering with an existing giant. It sets a competitive narrative that extends beyond the track, emphasizing the high stakes for both American automotive legends.

The details:

• The Accusation: Towriss stated that the two deals "couldn't be more different," claiming Ford's role has "very minimal impact" compared to GM's status as an equity owner deeply embedded in engineering from day one.
• The Defense: Ford Racing director Mark Rushbrook countered the criticism, insisting that if the public could see behind closed doors, they would be convinced of Ford's technical depth. He described the effort as "sleeves pulled up" work alongside Red Bull.
• Historic Context: While GM and Ford have battled in NASCAR and sportscar racing, this marks their first direct confrontation in F1 history.
• The Challenge: Rushbrook acknowledged the massive technical challenge and the rapid pace required to develop a competitive power unit for the new 2026 regulations.

What's next:

As both manufacturers ramp up their efforts for the 2026 regulations overhaul, expect this verbal sparring to continue translating into on-track performance. The real test will be whose strategy—full ownership versus technical partnership—yields the better power unit and chassis package when the lights go out.