This new team, which will initially be powered by Ferrari engines, is anticipated to make its debut in 2026. By 2028, General Motors aims to have its own Cadillac power units ready for use in the team.

Sources within the industry, who wish to remain anonymous, have revealed that an official announcement might come as soon as next week. The timing of this potential announcement is critical, as it could overshadow the Las Vegas Grand Prix, one of the marquee events on the F1 calendar.

The journey to this grid expansion has been fraught with challenges. Initially conceived by Michael Andretti, the proposal faced rejection from Formula 1 despite gaining approval from the FIA, the sport's sanctioning body. The existing 10 teams, despite having no official say, largely opposed the expansion due to concerns over prize money dilution and their substantial investments in the series.

The Andretti team had previously attempted to join the grid by acquiring an existing team. In 2020, they tried to take over the Sauber team but were unsuccessful. The situation took a dramatic turn when Mario Andretti, the 1978 F1 champion and father to Michael, lobbied in Washington, D.C. This action prompted a Department of Justice investigation into Liberty Media's denial of an American team.

Complicating matters further, a WhatsApp group chat among team principals – now part of the DOJ investigation – may contain damaging statements against the Andretti bid. Interestingly, Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault, added fuel to the fire by refusing to sell the Alpine F1 team, referring to F1 as a "closed club."

The U.S. has become a growing market for Formula 1, hosting three Grand Prix races in 2022 in Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas. As the sport continues to grow in popularity stateside, the inclusion of an American team like Cadillac F1 could be a game-changer.

Interestingly, a major shift occurred in September when Michael Andretti agreed to take a backseat, allowing new majority owners Dan Towriss and Mark Walter to take charge. This restructuring seems to have aided in reviving the Cadillac F1 entry, with the team set to be a manufacturer-driven entity moving away from the Andretti Global brand.

As the saga continues, Mario Andretti is expected to serve as an ambassador for the new team, while Michael Andretti will have a considerably reduced role. This change comes amid speculation that his previous F1 stint in 1993 might have contributed to the initial rejection of the Andretti application.

Adding another twist to the tale, Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei, a known opponent of the Andretti bid, has announced his resignation by year-end but remains in Las Vegas for the Grand Prix, suggesting his influence might still be at play.

The presence of Towriss along with General Motors executives in Las Vegas underscores the importance of this venture. With the full backing of FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem since its inception, the acceptance of Cadillac F1 signals a new era of American involvement in Formula 1.