Marcus Ericsson Joins Cadillac F1 Project for 2026

Former F1 driver Marcus Ericsson has accepted a key role in the Cadillac F1 project for the 2026 season. As General Motors (GM) prepares to enter Formula 1, Ericsson’s involvement comes at a crucial stage, as the team looks to make an impact in the sport.

Marcus Ericsson’s Key Role in Cadillac’s F1 Simulators

Ericsson, who made his name in Formula 1 with teams like Caterham and Sauber, has been tasked with evaluating and providing feedback on the Cadillac F1 simulators. While his role does not hint at a return to F1 racing, his expertise is invaluable to the development of Cadillac’s 2026 F1 car.

According to Ericsson, he has been flying to England to test various simulators to help Cadillac select the right model that will be used across F1, IndyCar, and sports car projects. His experience with both real-world racing and simulators is crucial as GM looks to ensure their team is equipped with the best possible technology ahead of the 2026 season.

“I’ve been working on improving my own use over the winter,” Ericsson said, emphasizing the growing importance of simulators in motorsport. Although he won’t be making a return to racing in F1, he’s honored to be involved in this groundbreaking project.

Cadillac F1’s Path to 2026

The Cadillac F1 team, born out of the Andretti Global F1 effort, is moving forward under GM’s banner, with Pat Symonds, a key figure in the 2022 F1 regulatory changes, joining as a consultant. Symonds’ experience in motorsport engineering and regulatory strategy will play a vital role in Cadillac’s preparations for the F1 2026 season.

Strategic Partnerships and Technical Development

As Cadillac F1 moves closer to their official entry, the team has secured an engine partnership with Ferrari. While Cadillac’s power unit will not be ready until 2028, Ferrari will supply engines and transmission systems for the team’s first season.

This partnership is crucial, as it gives Cadillac the competitive edge of a reliable power unit while developing their own for future seasons. Symonds shared that Cadillac’s F1 car will be built from scratch, bringing engineering excellence and sustainability into focus.

Looking Ahead to F1 2026

With less than 400 days to go until the F1 2026 season kicks off, Cadillac F1 is working diligently to meet the tight timeline. From designing their first F1 car to establishing their Silverstone-based infrastructure, the team is gearing up to compete at the highest level. Ericsson’s contribution to the simulator evaluation is just one piece of the puzzle, but it is essential in shaping the team’s future success.

As the clock ticks toward the 2026 season, the stakes are high for Cadillac F1, and Marcus Ericsson’s involvement marks the beginning of what could be an exciting new chapter in motorsport.