Former Formula 1 driver Marcus Ericsson is set to play a pivotal role in the upcoming Cadillac F1 project as the American automotive giant prepares for its 2026 debut in the prestigious racing series.
This announcement marks a significant step for Cadillac which aims to establish itself as the 11th team in Formula 1 following a year of negotiations and planning that culminated in an agreement with Liberty Media.
The involvement of Marcus Ericsson, who is also a celebrated IndyCar racer and the 2022 Indianapolis 500 winner, highlights the strategic approach Cadillac F1 is taking as it seeks to integrate into the highly competitive world of Formula 1.
Ericsson’s journey in motorsport began in Formula 1, where he raced for teams such as Caterham and Sauber from 2014 to 2018. After departing from F1 he transitioned to IndyCar where he found considerable success culminating in his victory at the Indianapolis 500.
His experience in both series positions him uniquely to contribute valuable insights as Cadillac embarks on its ambitious F1 venture.
As part of his new role, Marcus Ericsson has been tasked with evaluating various simulator technologies that will be crucial for the team’s development and training processes.
In an interview with Viaplay’s F1 podcast, Ericsson expressed his enthusiasm for this unexpected opportunity. He noted that his employer, Andretti Global—who is closely associated with Cadillac’s F1 efforts—has sent him to England to assess different simulators.
“My employer, Andretti, has asked me to fly to England to test different simulators,” the 34-year old said. “I will provide feedback so they can choose the right model for the whole organization, including Formula 1, IndyCar, and sports cars.”
Simulators are essential tool for success in motorsport, aiding teams in car development, driver training, and strategy refinement. His feedback will be instrumental in selecting the right equipment not only for Formula 1 but also for IndyCar and sports car racing.
“Simulators have become an integral part of motorsport,” Ericsson remarked, emphasizing their importance in modern racing dynamics.
“I’ve been working on improving my own use over the winter. It’s great that they want to use me and my experience to help.”
The Cadillac F1 project is not merely a branding exercise; it represents a serious commitment to competing at the highest level of motorsport. The team plans to utilize Ferrari power units and transmissions initially while developing its own engine by 2028.
The collaboration with Ferrari is seen as a strategic move that will allow the American-based outfit leverage established technology and expertise as they build their team from the ground up.
Pat Symonds joins Cadillac F1
The announcement of Marcus Ericsson’s involvement comes alongside other key appointments within the Cadillac F1 project. Ex-Formula 1 chief technical officer Pat Symonds has also joined the team as a consultant.
Symonds’ extensive experience and knowledge will be invaluable as Cadillac navigates the complexities of F1 regulations and technical requirements. He expressed his excitement about the challenge ahead and highlighted GM’s rich motorsport heritage, which includes successful campaigns in various racing disciplines.
“I am delighted to announce that today, January 1st, I officially take up my new role at Cadillac as we build our team to contest the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship,” Symonds wrote.
As Cadillac F1 Team prepares for its entry, it faces several challenges typical of new teams entering the sport. The timelines for development are tight, with less than 400 days remaining until pre-season testing begins for the 2026 season.
The team must not only develop a competitive car but also build a robust infrastructure at their UK base in Silverstone, which will include advanced facilities such as wind tunnels and simulation technology.
Cadillac F1 driver line-up still unknown
Moreover, speculation about potential driver line-up for the team remains to be on the rise. While Marcus Ericsson himself may not be vying for a seat on the grid come 2026, there are discussions surrounding his Andretti teammate Colton Herta potentially stepping into an F1 role.
Herta has garnered attention for his impressive performances in IndyCar and has been backed by notable figures such as former world champion Jenson Button.
“He is extremely quick. Everything he gets into his quick,” said Button. “In IndyCar he is extremely quick. He was my teammate when we raced at Daytona earlier this year.
“He just gets in, and he’s on it. He will be quick from the word go. There is obviously a lot of learning, very different to IndyCar. He’s got the mindset.”
