As Cadillac prepares to enter Formula 1 in 2026, presenting itself as "the only true American project" on the grid, Ford was quick to respond. The Dearborn-based manufacturer firmly rejects the idea that its partnership with Red Bull is limited to a mere marketing role or a "sticker" on the engine.
Ford versus Cadillac: an image battle over American identity in F1
With the explosion in popularity of the F1 in the United States, driven by the Miami and Las Vegas Grand Prix as well as by Drive to Survive, American manufacturers are now also seeking to establish themselves on a symbolic level.
CadillacThe team, which will be the 11th in the lineup, claims a strong American identity, notably through its American license and direct support from General Motors. But this stance has clearly not convinced anyone. Ford, which recalls its historical heritage in Formula 1, particularly through the era Ford Cosworth and his numerous Grand Prix victories.
Statements coming from those close to
Cadillacsuggesting that the involvement of
Ford at Red Bull "Would be essentially marketing," irritated the program's management.
Ford Performance
Mark Rushbrook insists: “ Ford's commitment goes far beyond the electrification initially planned.
According to him, the American manufacturer actively participates in the production of key components of the powertrain, including parts related to the internal combustion engine, produced in particular in its advanced Dearborn facilities thanks to 3D printing and its internal industrial capabilities.
The executive president Bill ford He too categorically rejected the insinuations of Cadillac, believing that qualifying the alliance with Red Bull the marketing operation was " very far from reality ».
On the side of Cadillac, Graeme Lowdon recognizes that this historical rivalry between Ford et General Motors is part of the show. This confrontation between two American giants adds a strategic and commercial dimension to the massive arrival of the United States in F1.
Ultimately, behind the pointed statements, one thing is clear: the 2026 season will not only be a technological battle between teams, but also a clash of influence between American manufacturers seeking to appropriate the image of the F1 across the Atlantic.
