Cadillac F1 Project Faces 'Struggle' Predictions as Analysts Draw Haas Comparison
F1 insiders are divided on Cadillac's 2026 prospects, with some predicting a Haas-like struggle to simply get on the grid, while others warn against underestimating the well-funded new team's professional approach and Ferrari engine supply.
Former Aston Martin strategy chief Bernie Collins predicts Cadillac's entry into Formula 1 in 2026 will be a significant "struggle," drawing parallels to the immense challenges Haas faced when it debuted in 2016. While acknowledging the team's substantial investment and professional approach, insiders highlight the monumental task of building a competitive team from scratch amid sweeping new technical regulations.
Why it matters:
Cadillac represents the first completely new constructor to attempt a full F1 entry since Haas nearly a decade ago, testing whether a well-funded newcomer can overcome the sport's steep operational and technical learning curve. Their success or struggle will serve as a key case study for future potential entrants and could reshape the midfield dynamic from 2026 onward.
The details:
- A Daunting Task: Collins, now a Sky Sports F1 analyst, recalls the extreme effort required for Haas's debut, noting team members were working around the clock just to get the car ready for the Australian Grand Prix. She believes simply getting the Cadillac car on the grid in Melbourne 2026 would itself be a "victory."
- A Counter Perspective: Not everyone is so pessimistic. Simone Resta, Mercedes' strategic development director and former Haas technical director, warns against underestimating Cadillac. He points to their significant investment, aggressive hiring, and the advantage of using a supplied Ferrari power unit, which removes one major technical hurdle.
- The Regulatory Challenge: The 2026 season introduces entirely new chassis and power unit regulations, alongside new tires and sustainable fuels. Red Bull's Paul Monaghan emphasized that building a new team amidst this complete technical reset is an exceptionally complex undertaking.
- Respect from Rivals: Aston Martin's sporting director, Andy Stevenson, admitted the established teams are taking Cadillac seriously as a "genuine challenge" and a "very professional outfit," even if they hope the newcomer doesn't perform too well too quickly.
What's next:
All eyes will be on Cadillac's preparation through 2025 as they build their Silverstone base and integrate their driver lineup of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez. The true test begins at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix, where their ability to translate investment and planning into a reliable, competitive package will be immediately apparent. Their journey will either validate the fears of a painful startup phase or demonstrate a new blueprint for entering the pinnacle of motorsport.