Breaking: Cadillac LOSE One Major F1 Advantage Despite Being Given Entry into F1…

CADILLAC LOSE AERODYNAMIC TESTING ADVANTAGE FOLLOWING OFFICIAL F1 ENTRY

Cadillac’s eagerly anticipated entry into Formula 1 has finally been confirmed, with the American marque set to join the grid in 2026. However, their official acceptance has come at a cost, as they will now be subject to the same aerodynamic testing restrictions as the existing 10 teams.

The Aerodynamic Testing Restrictions (ATR) are a sliding scale of wind-tunnel runs and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) limitations, designed to promote a more competitive grid. The reigning constructors’ champions are allocated the fewest testing hours, while the team that finished last receives the most.

Cadillac’s entry into F1 has been met with excitement, and their technical team is already taking shape. Graeme Lowdon has been appointed team principal, with Nick Chester, formerly of Renault, serving as technical director. Pat Symonds, a veteran of several F1 teams, has also joined as an executive technical consultant.

However, despite their promising start, Cadillac will now have to adhere to the same testing limitations as the other teams. This means they will be allocated the same number of wind-tunnel runs and CFD hours as the 10th-placed team in the constructors’ standings.

The loss of their aerodynamic testing advantage may hinder Cadillac’s ability to catch up with the established teams. However, their entry into F1 is still a significant development, and their participation is expected to boost the sport’s popularity in the United States.

As Cadillac prepares to join the F1 grid, they will be powered by customer Ferrari power units for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. General Motors is set to produce its own in-house power unit design for 2028, which will increase the number of engine suppliers in F1 to at least six.

Cadillac’s entry into F1 is a significant milestone for the sport, and their participation is eagerly anticipated. Despite the loss of their aerodynamic testing advantage, they are expected to be a competitive force on the grid.