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Cadillac strengthens F1 team project with key Haas hire

Cadillac is ramping up its preparations for its anticipated entry into Formula 1 in 2026, with a key announcement regarding the addition of Peter Crolla, a seasoned Haas engineer, to its growing team. Crolla, who has been with Haas since 2015, will transition to Cadillac’s F1 project as Team Manager, bringing with him a wealth of experience that will be crucial as the US-based outfit gears up for its debut in the world’s top motorsport series.

Having originally joined Haas from McLaren, Crolla began his tenure as the Race Team Coordinator, supporting the team as it prepared for its entry into F1 in 2016. His contributions helped shape the team’s early development, and in 2017, he was promoted to Team Manager, a role he held until the conclusion of 2024. His extensive experience in the F1 paddock, including the unique challenges of setting up a new team, will prove invaluable to Cadillac as it navigates the complexities of joining Formula 1.

Crolla’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Cadillac, as the FIA is reportedly nearing the final approval stages for the company’s 2026 F1 entry. Once this green light is officially granted, Cadillac will need to secure a commercial agreement with Formula One Management to finalize its place on the grid. To aid in this transition, Cadillac has been methodically recruiting a team of experienced professionals, including renowned F1 engineer Pat Symonds, who joined as the team’s Executive Engineering Consultant. Symonds, who has a long track record of success in F1, has expressed confidence in Cadillac’s progress, particularly in terms of the car’s foundational development, and believes that the team is on track to field a competitive car in 2026.

In addition to Crolla and Symonds, Cadillac’s leadership team is being bolstered by figures such as Team Principal Graham Lowdon, Technical Director Nicholas Chester, and Chief Operating Officer Rob White. Together, this group will be tasked with overseeing the team’s expansion, developing a new car from the ground up, and integrating the Ferrari-supplied power unit and gearbox. Crolla’s background with Ferrari power units at Haas makes him a key asset as Cadillac works to overcome these challenges.

Looking further into the future, Cadillac has ambitions beyond its 2026 debut. The team is working on the development of its own bespoke power unit and gearbox, with plans to become a fully independent works team by 2028. This effort will be spearheaded by Russ O’Blenes, who will lead GM Performance Power Units LLC, focusing on Cadillac’s long-term goals in Formula 1.

With a combination of seasoned veterans like Crolla and Symonds on board, Cadillac is clearly committed to establishing a competitive and successful presence in Formula 1, ensuring that it is well-equipped to make an impact when it enters the sport

in 2026.