“We have to select everybody on merit”: Cadillac unveils Formula 1 team logo before 2026 debut with merit-based driver selection emphasis

Cadillac has officially joined the Formula 1 limelight with the unveiling of its team logo in preparation for its much-awaited entry in the 2026 season. As the grid looks forward to receiving its 11th team, the announcement from Cadillac marks a strategic and stylistic pledge to marry American motorsport heritage with worldwide competitiveness. Cadillac has made its 2026 Formula 1 debut statement with the logo reveal and a direct stance on driver merit
The central event of Cadillac's Miami unveiling was the unveiling of their official team logo—a badge that reflects their proud American heritage while heralding a serious intent to compete. It was launched right after the Sprint and Qualifying race sessions over the weekend of the Miami Grand Prix.
Leading the next campaign is Team Principal Graeme Lowdon, a seasoned name in the Formula 1 universe after time with now-extinct Manor Racing. Lowdon will have the squad campaign on Ferrari power units in the beginning before moving over to GM Performance Power Units starting in 2029—and this following a nod of approval from the FIA as an official F1 engine supplier last week.
“We were effectively kept out of the last round of driver discussions because we didn’t have an entry and were in a slightly unusual position, but it also means there is a lot less competitive tension, and we can take a little bit of time. Everyone would love to see an American driver in an American team with an American engine, but this is also a world championship," said Lowdon to Sky Sports F1. “We have to select everybody on merit, and as we have said before, there is nothing stopping a boy or girl with an American passport from driving for an American Formula 1 team. We’ll select them on merit, and if the driver happens to be an American, that is something the fans would really like. But we’ve got to respect the world championship, and if we want to be competitive as we can, we must choose everyone in the team on merit."
The period before 2026 will be decisive as Cadillac builds up its infrastructure, forms partnerships, and focuses on driver talent. Its addition not only increases the grid numbers but also brings in new competition, which has the potential to alter dynamics in the paddock. With the full support of General Motors and a long-term commitment, the team will leave a big mark.
Also read: What are the F1 drivers' standings after Miami Grand Prix 2025?
Cadillac's foray into Formula 1 is not just a grid-expansion strategy—it's a declaration of intent. With a showy logo unveiling, experienced leadership under Graeme Lowdon, and an unflinching commitment to competitive integrity, the American marque is working its way toward a high-stakes debut in 2026. All eyes now turn to the next big reveal: the drivers who will carry the Cadillac name into the world of Formula 1.