The arrival of Cadillac in Formula 1 will introduce two additional cars to the 2026 grid, forcing the FIA to revise the current qualifying format. The American team will enter the championship with two cars, bringing the total number of competitors on the grid to 22. Alongside the logistical challenges of integrating an eleventh team into the paddock—such as staffing and facilities—the Saturday qualifying sessions will also undergo notable adjustments to the elimination system.
After years of political negotiations between the FIA, Liberty Media, and the Andretti organization, the wait is finally over: Formula 1 is officially welcoming a new team. The Cadillac project represents the culmination of persistent lobbying and technical planning that will see a new American outfit join the grid. Initially, Cadillac will use Ferrari customer power units until General Motors completes development of its own engine, a power unit that may not debut until a later regulatory cycle.
On track, the American team will rely on Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez. Both drivers bring a wealth of experience and speed, although neither competed during the 2025 season. Bottas currently serves as Mercedes’ reserve driver and mentor to rising star Andrea Kimi Antonelli, while Sergio Perez stepped away from the Formula 1 paddock following his dramatic split from Red Bull. Now, both drivers are set for a fresh challenge with Cadillac as the team looks to establish itself among the sport’s elite.
Qualifying changes for 2026: more cars eliminated in Q1 and Q2
The addition of two cars to the grid has led to important amendments to the sporting regulations. One of the most noticeable changes will appear as soon as qualifying begins. According to reports, the FIA has finalized how the qualifying format will be modified to maintain the traditional ten-car shootout in Q3, where drivers battle for pole position.
As reported by journalist Ludo van Denderen on GPBlog.com, from the 2026 season onward, six cars will be eliminated in Q1 and another six in Q2—one more than under the current rules. This adjustment ensures that, despite the expanded grid, only the top ten drivers will progress to Q3. Interestingly, this system mirrors the format used in 2016, the last season that featured eleven teams on the grid before Manor’s departure from Formula 1.
The change may seem minor, but it will have a noticeable impact on the intensity of each qualifying round. With two extra cars in the mix, the margins for error will become even smaller, especially in the early stages of qualifying. Teams will need to optimize track position, tire strategy, and timing to avoid unexpected eliminations. For smaller teams and newcomers like Cadillac, this could mean a steeper challenge, as traffic and timing will play an even greater role in determining who advances.
Overall, Cadillac’s entry not only expands the grid but also reshapes the competitive landscape of Formula 1 weekends. With 22 cars fighting for just ten Q3 spots, qualifying sessions are expected to become even more unpredictable and exciting, adding another layer of intrigue to the 2026 season.
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