Cadillac Fires First Shot as GM–Ford Rivalry Enters F1

Formula 1, Sportrik Media - The arrival of Cadillac F1 Team in 2026 is set to introduce one of the world’s most iconic automotive rivalries to Formula 1 for the first time, as General Motors and Ford prepare to face each other on the grand prix grid.

Cadillac, owned by General Motors, will make its Formula 1 debut as a full works-backed entrant in 2026, while long-time rival Ford returns to the sport as a technical partner to Red Bull Racing’s in-house power unit programme. Although the two manufacturers have competed fiercely in NASCAR and sports car racing for decades, their rivalry has never previously extended to Formula 1.

That dynamic has already sparked tension, with Cadillac F1 project CEO Dan Towriss questioning the depth of Ford’s involvement with Red Bull, characterising it as largely commercial rather than structural.

“It’s not even close,” Towriss told The Athletic when comparing General Motors’ and Ford’s respective Formula 1 commitments.
“One is a marketing deal with very minimal impact, while GM is an equity owner.”

Towriss emphasised that General Motors’ approach is rooted in long-term technical integration rather than branding exposure, positioning Cadillac as a fully embedded manufacturer from the outset of the project.

“They’re deeply embedded from an engineering standpoint, and they were involved from day one,” he continued.
“Those two deals couldn’t be more different.”

The remarks underline Cadillac’s intention to establish itself as a serious technical force rather than a branding exercise, reinforcing its identity as a manufacturer-led operation entering Formula 1 under the 2026 power unit regulations.

Ford, however, has strongly rejected the notion that its return to Formula 1 is superficial. Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Racing, defended the depth of Ford’s collaboration with Red Bull, insisting the partnership extends far beyond marketing.

“People will have their opinions, but if they saw what was going on, if we were able to open the doors and show everything to them, I think they would be convinced very quickly,” Rushbrook told The Athletic.

Rushbrook acknowledged the commercial element of the partnership but stressed that Ford is directly involved in addressing the technical challenges posed by the new regulations alongside Red Bull.

“It’s not simply a marketing programme. Of course, there is that element, but we’re in there with our sleeves pulled up,” he said.
“We’re doing it together with Red Bull, but it’s still a massive challenge, just in terms of the technical challenge and the pace at which we need to move.”

The contrasting narratives reflect two distinct philosophies as Formula 1 approaches its next regulatory cycle. Cadillac is positioning itself as a vertically integrated manufacturer project, while Ford is aligning with an established front-running team to re-enter the sport through a partnership model.

Beyond the technical debate, the GM–Ford rivalry adds a powerful narrative layer to Formula 1’s 2026 reset. With both companies carrying significant motorsport heritage and global brand recognition, their simultaneous presence is expected to amplify commercial interest while also shaping the competitive landscape.

As Formula 1 prepares for its most transformative era in decades, the first verbal exchanges between Cadillac and Ford signal that the rivalry is already alive well before either car turns a competitive lap. How those contrasting approaches translate into on-track performance will become one of the defining storylines of the 2026 season, a development that will continue to be closely followed by Sportrik Media at https://sportrik.com/en.