What does it take for an American company to dominate the world’s most prestigious racing series? European manufacturers such as Ferrari and McLaren have controlled Formula 1 for decades while U.S. automakers have watched from the sidelines. However, a well-known brand that has long been linked to luxury, power, and even political influence is upending the status quo. With global motorsports expansion accelerating, an American behemoth is making its most audacious move. One that Donald Trump and his father hold close to their heart.

Donald Trump’s favorite automaker finally breaks through

Formula 1, a sport that has been firmly rooted in European dominance for decades, has proven difficult for American manufacturers to enter. However, that will change in 2026 when General Motors formally joins Formula One under the Cadillac name. Cadillac’s FIA-approved debut represents a major turning point for American motorsports and the country’s aspirations on the international racing scene.

Cadillac has long been a favorite of Donald Trump’s. Throughout his presidency, Trump has positioned Cadillac as a representation of American luxury and power, from employing its limousines for official business to giving contracts to General Motors. When asked in 2024 about his favorite car brand, Trump said, referencing his father Fred Trump, “I learned so much from him [Fred Trump], and he loved Cadillac.”

Cadillac has a long history of being associated with Donald Trump, too, as seen by his direct partnerships and personal adoration for the brand. When the new Escalade was unveiled, his passion for Cadillac was made clear. He reportedly told an executive, “You did a great job. I think it’s beautiful. I want to buy one immediately.” Donald Trump and Cadillac collaborated to design the Dillinger-Gaines-designed Trump Series limos in the late 1980s. Italian leather, rosewood paneling, gold accents, and executive conveniences like fax machines, paper shredders, and early cell phones were all features of the Golden Series and Executive Series.

At the 1988 Limousine & Chauffeur Show, Donald Trump, who had a significant role in the design, lauded the partnership, saying, “You can see the kind of quality there is. We left nothing out. I’m very honored that they built me the first one, and frankly, I deserve it.”

Cadillac’s debut is the most significant attempt by a major U.S. automaker to create a competitive presence in the championship, even though American teams like Haas have existed in Formula One. “I am proud to lead the Federation in this progressive step for the championship, GM/Cadillac brings fresh energy, aligning with the new FIA 2026 regulations and ushering in an exciting era for the sport.” FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said in a statement.

Cadillac’s foray into Formula One is a component of a larger development in American racing. While IndyCar’s global appeal keeps increasing, NASCAR is expanding internationally with a race in Mexico. With three Grand Prix (Austin, Miami, and Las Vegas) and a spike in fan interest brought on by Netflix’s Drive to Survive, the United States has a larger presence in Formula One than ever before. The entrance of Cadillac solidifies America’s sustained dedication to the sport.

“The Cadillac Formula 1 Team’s presence in the paddock will inspire future competitors and fans, Their entry strengthens our mission to push motorsport’s boundaries at the highest level. As we said in November, the commitment by General Motors to bring a Cadillac team to Formula 1 was an important and positive demonstration of the evolution of our sport,” said Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1.

Cadillac’s decision to enter Formula One is consistent with Donald Trump’s larger position on increasing American competitiveness internationally, although he has not made any public remarks on the matter. This expanding movement for U.S. representation in international racing is also connected to his prior involvement with motorsports, particularly his attendance at the 2020 and 2025 Daytona 500.

General Motors President Mark Reuss said, “We’re thrilled the Cadillac Formula 1 Team is official, as the team has been accelerating its work, we’re incredibly grateful for the support from the FIA and Formula 1 leadership for us and for our partners at TWG. The excitement only grows as we get closer to showcasing GM’s engineering expertise on the prestigious global stage of F1.”

Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes are fierce rivals of Cadillac, and the company must adjust to the hybrid power unit age of Formula One. Uncertainty surrounds their power unit supplier, raising concerns about whether they will construct their own or collaborate with an already-existing manufacturer. Cadillac’s arrival marks a change in American participation in Formula One beyond race hosting.

A triumph would mark a significant milestone for American motorsports in addition to being a victory for GM. But can Cadillac succeed where others have failed? That is the true question.

Why do American F1 teams keep failing? 

With NASCAR and IndyCar, America has long controlled racing, but Formula 1 has proven to be a difficult opponent. U.S.-based teams have continuously failed to compete at the forefront, let alone survive, despite numerous tries. History presents a harsh picture: being an American team in Formula One is much harder than it seems, as evidenced by the demise of USF1 before it even raced, Haas F1’s continuous problems, and Andretti’s long road to entry.

USF1 was allowed to join Formula 1 in 2010 with the ambitious goal of being a team entirely supported by Americans. Rather, it turned into one of the most notorious failures in the sport. Due to a lack of resources, infrastructure, and F1 experience, the project missed deadlines and was eventually canceled before the inaugural race. Its downfall increased mistrust among American Formula One teams.

Former FIA President Jean Todt later reflected on USF1’s failure, stating, “There was enthusiasm, but enthusiasm is not enough. F1 is about preparation, commitment, and execution at the highest level.” The failure of USF1 served as a sobering warning that even FIA-approved teams could fail before they could turn the wheel if they lacked a strong financial and technical base. Unlike USF1, Haas actually made it to the grid in 2016. Initially, they found success by leveraging a technical partnership with Ferrari, finishing an impressive fifth in the 2018 season. However, their reliance on customer parts, inconsistent driver lineups, and financial struggles saw them slide to the back of the grid. 

Guenther Steiner, a former principal of the Haas Team, recognized the increasing difficulties faced by new teams, particularly in light of the current budget cap: “When we entered, the sport was different. Now, you can’t just buy your way to competitiveness. You need experience, infrastructure, and long-term commitment.” Although Haas is still competing, their problems show how hard it is for American teams to maintain long-term success in Formula One.

General Motors-backed Michael Andretti has been attempting to enter Formula One for years but has been turned down. Formula One teams have objected, claiming that prize money will be diluted by an eleventh team. F1 also doubted Andretti’s ability to compete right away. Guenther Steiner defended F1’s decision to deny Andretti entry before 2028, saying, “I think they looked at it and thought it was too ambitious. Formula 1 does not allow failure anymore—if you come in, you must prove you’ll be competitive immediately.”

This opposition reflects a larger issue: F1’s current era leaves little room for underprepared teams. The three main reasons for USF1’s failures were: Lack of Experience & Infrastructure: U.S. teams frequently underestimate F1’s technical demands, which require years of investment before competing; Financial Sustainability: F1’s budget cap limits spending advantages, making it harder for new teams to buy competitiveness; and Resistance from the F1 Establishment: Existing teams defend their financial interests, making it difficult for newcomers to gain entry.

However, the dream of a dominant U.S. Formula One team is still alive and well. History demonstrates that achieving victory will take more than simply ambition; it calls for a degree of planning and execution that no American team has yet to perfect. Do you think Cadillac can break the trend and kick-start an era of U.S. competitiveness in Formula One? Let us know in the comments!