Preparations for the 2026 Formula 1 season continue at full pace, with Ferrari working closely with Cadillac, which has publicly expressed its gratitude. It has been months of intense work for both Ferrari and Cadillac, as the two teams collaborate closely in view of the 2026 F1 campaign. This partnership represents a vital step for the American outfit, which has thanked Maranello for the professionalism shown throughout the process. At the same time, the new United States-based team is keen to maintain a certain level of independence. As Pat Symonds clearly stated: “A customer team could not win the World Championship”.
The first year in Formula 1 for a new team is always particularly delicate. The squad must learn how to work together, refine its internal procedures, and build strong cohesion both at the factory and at the track. From an engineering perspective, it is also necessary to progressively develop the know-how required to improve and to compete against far more established and experienced rivals. In short, starting from scratch represents a real mountain to climb.
For 2026, its debut season in the Formula 1 Circus, Cadillac has chosen to rely on Ferrari in order to begin this climb as quickly and efficiently as possible. The technical partnership goes well beyond the simple supply of the power unit, which Maranello will provide to the American team until General Motors officially enters with its own engine project. The Scuderia Ferrari is actively helping the newcomers in several other areas as well, even going as far as making its older single-seaters available for TPC testing.
Symonds: “Grateful to Ferrari for the work done”
Pat Symonds, now working as a consultant for Cadillac, explained the nature of the partnership with Ferrari in detail: “We are not following a conventional model. We take the engine and the gearbox, but the entire rear suspension, the front suspension and, in general, all those parts that some other teams buy from external suppliers, we are designing them from scratch”.
“We want to be masters of our own destiny. Being a customer team is not the way to win a World Championship. Ferrari, however, has been fantastic with us. Really, really available and helpful in every aspect. We have even been allowed to attend some TPC tests. Ferrari is full of fantastic people to work with. It is very practical and functional for us to be able to proceed in this way as a temporary solution”.
The alliance between Ferrari and Cadillac represents one of the most intriguing subplots on the grid. While the immediate focus remains on bridging the gap to the front-runners, the groundwork being laid in Maranello could prove decisive for the American project’s long-term ambitions. For fans, seeing how this synergy translates into on-track performance will be a major focal point when the lights go out for the first time in this new era of Formula 1.
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