As the 2026 Formula 1 season approaches, the spotlight shines on Cadillac’s highly anticipated entry into the sport. Alpine’s Esteban Ocon, however, has downplayed expectations of an intense rivalry between the two American teams, Haas and Cadillac, suggesting the competition will be typical of any new challenger. Ocon’s remarks challenge the narrative that this will be a uniquely fierce battle on the grid.
American Teams Face Off Amid Major Regulatory Changes
Haas has represented the United States in Formula 1 since its debut in 2016, proudly carrying the American presence in the paddock. Cadillac’s arrival as the 11th team introduces a new chapter backed by General Motors, coinciding with significant technical regulation changes for the sport. Despite this, Ocon minimized the idea of heightened rivalry saying,
“Not more than anyone around us.”
Rivalry Viewed as Part of Broader Competition
Speaking candidly, Ocon remarked that Haas will regard Cadillac as just another competitor rather than a special adversary, stating,
“I think everyone around us, from right side of the motorhome to left side, they are all rivals to us,”
dismissing any notion of this being a unique American rivalry within Formula 1.
Cadillac’s Challenging Entrance into Formula 1
Cadillac faces a formidable journey entering the elite world of F1 as a customer team to Ferrari, with ambitions to become a full works team by 2028. Ocon warned that success will not come easily, pointing out the steep difficulties ahead even for experienced drivers like Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez.
“It’s going to be a difficult start for Cadillac,”
he said, highlighting the challenges inherent to new teams in such a competitive environment.
Experienced Team Behind Cadillac’s Debut
The new team’s strength lies in its technical expertise, bringing in seasoned professionals including Pat Symonds, Nick Chester, and Rob White, all familiar to Ocon from his time at Alpine. He acknowledged,
“Most of the people there have F1 experience,”
indicating Cadillac’s entry is supported by a foundation of knowledge and industry veterans despite their newcomer status.
Future Outlook for the 2026 Season
While Esteban Ocon chooses to downplay any specific Haas-Cadillac rivalry, the arrival of the American-backed Cadillac team adds fresh drama and anticipation to the grid. As both squads prepare for the upcoming season, the 2026 campaign promises to add an exciting new element to Formula 1’s evolving landscape. The battle ahead will be closely watched, symbolizing a significant moment for American teams competing on the global stage.
