Pat Symonds Returns to F1 with Cadillac, Drawn by Long-Term Vision
Veteran F1 technical director Pat Symonds is returning to a team role with Cadillac, drawn by the new entry's ambitious, long-term vision and fan-centric culture after a stint in F1 governance.
After shaping the sport's regulations from within, veteran technical director Pat Symonds is returning to the team side of Formula 1, joining the Cadillac project as an executive engineering consultant. He was convinced to come back by what he describes as a rare blend of ambition, realism, and long-term thinking that reignited his competitive spirit. Symonds had grown disconnected from the sport during his time as F1's technical director, admitting he "didn't care who won the race" and was critical of the final 2026 power unit regulations.
Why it matters:
Symonds' involvement is a massive endorsement for Cadillac's F1 ambitions. As one of the sport's most respected engineers, his decision to trade a governance role for "skin in the game" signals that the GM-backed outfit is a serious, long-term contender rather than a marketing play. His expertise will be crucial in building a competitive team from the ground up and navigating the complex new 2026 regulations.
The details:
- A New Philosophy: Cadillac's approach impressed Symonds with its well-funded, sensible plan for permanence. The team is structuring its operations with a chassis base at Silverstone, power unit development in North Carolina, and a major facility planned near Indianapolis.
- Fan-Centric Culture: A key draw for Symonds is Cadillac's desire to be open and fan-friendly, a stark contrast to F1's typical secrecy. He believes the sport owes its success to its fans and that teams should be more accessible.
- Experienced Drivers: The team pragmatically selected Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez for their debut season. The choice was based on a matrix of available drivers, valuing their combined 16 race wins and proven experience to provide credibility and avoid "unnecessary drama" in a formative year.
What's next:
Cadillac is laying a foundation for its 2026 debut with a clear strategy focused on experience and technical substance. With Symonds guiding the engineering side and two proven winners in the cockpit, the team is positioning itself to be competitive from the start. Symonds believes the 2026 regulations, which will replace DRS with active aerodynamics and energy management, will create more tactical racing—a shift that could reward the disciplined, methodical approach that Cadillac is building.