Formula 1 returns to action this week with the Miami Grand Prix, and for one team in particular, the trip to South Beach marks an incredible milestone. The F1 grid grew by one team for 2026, with Cadillac joining the sport as the 11th team.

Each step along the way has been a new milestone for F1’s newest team, from the first time they fired up their car to the first race weekend. Their latest achievement came at the Chinese Grand Prix, where both drivers took the checkered flag for the first time. This week, they reach another historic moment: their first race in front of their home fans in Miami.

Ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, Graeme Lowdon, Cadillac’s Team Principal, shared insights in an exclusive interview about the challenges of launching an F1 team, their driver lineup, and the significance of racing in Miami.

Cadillac’s F1 Journey: A Historic Start

Lowdon began by describing the start of Cadillac’s F1 journey in a single word: historic.

“Historic, I think, if I had to do it in one word.”

He expanded on the rarity of such an entry:

“It’s really struck me that new teams in Formula One don’t happen very often, and new teams in Formula One with an enormous automotive manufacturer, with such a strong brand as Cadillac, is even more rare. And actually not just Cadillac, but TWG Motorsport and everything that they bring from their knowledge, in particular, of U.S. sports, with ownership positions in the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Dodgers.”

Lowdon emphasized the uniqueness of the project:

“What we’re experiencing is really unique, and I don’t think it puts too much weight on it to say it’s historic, and enormously proud for me to be able to wear the badge, and get a front row seat of seeing it all come to life.”

Building an F1 Team from Scratch: The Challenges

The partnership between Cadillac and TWG Motorsport was first announced in January 2023. By April 2026, the team is already competing in its first races, with the Miami Grand Prix marking their first home event. Lowdon reflected on the immense effort required to build an F1 team from the ground up:

“Hugely tough,” said Lowdon with a laugh. “I have aged Mark beyond, almost beyond recognition. As the old adage goes, if I had a pet dog, it would have bitten us by now because it wouldn’t have recognized us. It’s a massive undertaking.”

Lowdon hinted at the complexities behind the scenes, though he did not elaborate further in the interview.

Cadillac’s Driver Lineup and Future Ambitions

While the interview did not detail the full driver lineup, Lowdon’s comments underscored the team’s focus on assembling a competitive squad. The challenges of launching an F1 team—logistical, technical, and financial—have been met with determination, setting the stage for Cadillac’s long-term ambitions in the sport.

The Miami Grand Prix represents more than just a race for Cadillac; it’s a celebration of their historic journey and a testament to the team’s resilience. As they take to the track in front of their home fans, the world will be watching their next chapter unfold.

Source: SB Nation