Cadillac stated that it is prepared to adapt to any regulatory scenario in Formula 1, even amid uncertainties about the future of the category’s power units. The team, which made its grid debut in 2026, acknowledged that a possible rule change could impact its long-term plans.
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The topic gained momentum after FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem advocated for the return of naturally aspirated V8 engines by 2031 at the latest. The proposal could create an additional challenge for Cadillac and General Motors, who are working to become a factory team after an initial period using Ferrari power units.
Even using Ferrari engines from their arrival in the category this year, the expectation is to develop their own power unit to be used from 2029, within the current engine regulatory cycle.
However, if Formula 1 does adopt V8 engines soon, as has been widely discussed, the manufacturer could face the need to invest in a complex power unit for a relatively short period before starting a new development program. Another alternative would be to remain a Ferrari customer until the arrival of the new generation of engines.
Team principal Graeme Lowdon highlighted that Cadillac is already used to dealing with uncertainty scenarios. According to him, the process of entering Formula 1 was marked by several unknowns, which forced the organization to develop adaptability from the start of the project.
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“We are probably in a slightly different position from some of the more established power unit manufacturers and teams. We knew there would be some regulatory uncertainty because we were in the middle of many doubts related to our entry, the schedule, and other factors. For the most part, we had to be ready to react to anything,” he said.
Lowdon also pointed out that rule stability usually contributes to closer competition: “Usually, stability in regulations is one of the things that leads to closer races. I think it’s not a big leap to say that this is something fans would like to see. In short, we have to be ready for any situation. This is a competition, we respect the regulations, and whatever form those rules take, we need to adapt,” he added.
Finally, the executive acknowledged that predictability facilitates planning for large investments: “Everyone always welcomes some stability and good visibility of what will happen and when it will happen, because that allows for planning. We are making big investments, building a new power unit factory, and that certainly makes the task easier when there is clarity about the regulations, but with the caveat that we need to be prepared for anything,” he concluded.
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