by F1 correspondent Michael Butterworth

BEIJING, Oct. 25 (Xinhua) -- Cadillac's long-awaited entry into Formula 1 is taking shape, with a bold plan to unite American industrial power and European racing expertise under one banner. But as work gathers pace, questions remain over whether a team divided by an ocean can function as one.

The team is preparing for its 2026 F1 debut with a race base in Silverstone, a power unit program taking shape in Charlotte, and an Indianapolis facility that will eventually house a wind tunnel and manufacturing hub. The man at the helm is Dan Towriss, CEO of parent company TWG Motorsports, and he says the setup showcases both the engineering strength of Cadillac's parent company General Motors and the long-term commitment to building a competitive works outfit.

"GM is deeply integrated throughout the team and the power unit side," Towriss told Xinhua during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend. "We're building this team for the long term."

The scale of the project is ambitious, but so are the logistical challenges. Formula 1's most successful teams keep their entire operations within a short drive - or ideally, a short walk - to maximize coordination. Running facilities across multiple time zones introduces natural friction, from development cycles to data flow. Towriss, however, believes the geographical boundaries can be overcome.

"We're developing a lot of experience in the U.K. right now," he said. "Some of that talent is open to relocating to the U.S., while others will work across locations. Remote collaboration is common now," he said. "It's already working well between Charlotte and Silverstone."

Cadillac's structure also speaks to a broader identity strategy. Though the car will be built in the heart of Britain's Motorsport Valley, the brand is positioning itself as a truly American contender. The team has already inked partnerships with brands such as Jim Beam and Tommy Hilfiger, and a docuseries hosted and produced by Keanu Reeves is in the offing.

Former Miami Grand Prix president Tyler Epp has also joined as global head of commercial strategy, tasked with building what Towriss calls "fewer but deeper" partnerships. There is no title sponsor yet, but discussions are ongoing.

"We're proud to be an American team on the world stage," Towriss explained. "But we're also building a global organization. You hear all kinds of accents when you walk through our factory."

Cadillac's technical staff includes veterans from Renault and Mercedes, while its driver lineup of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas brings 16 wins from more than 500 Grand Prix starts and direct experience within championship-winning teams.

"They're both quick, proven winners," Towriss said of the driver pairing. "That experience is vital as we unite people from different teams. Having Sergio and Valtteri helps us build chemistry, unity, and a solid foundation. Their feedback will be vital as we get on the grid in 2026."

The project also includes a development path for rising U.S. talent. California native Colton Herta has signed on as official test driver, and has swapped the familiar surroundings of the U.S.-based Indycar series for an ambitious tilt at Formula 2 next year.

Though an F1 seat is not guaranteed, and will depend largely on Herta's progress in an unfamiliar series, Towriss sees it as an investment in the future. "Formula 1 is about having the best drivers available," he said. "But we also want to create opportunities for American drivers, and some of that is about the future and creating development pathways to get drivers into that seat."

For Towriss, success in 2026 will be defined by competitiveness and steady progress rather than simple points totals. That mirrors the outlook of Team Principal Graeme Lowdon, who has likewise resisted setting numerical targets and has emphasized the importance of patience. "We want to exceed expectations, but we're realistic. This is about building the right foundation," Towriss said.

Even so, the project's transatlantic structure remains an experiment. As work begins to link operations between Silverstone, Charlotte and Indianapolis, the real test will be whether technology and teamwork can erase distance. Formula 1 has seen well-funded newcomers falter before, and Towriss is aware that ambition alone will not guarantee results.

"Every Formula 1 race matters," he said. "We're here to compete and to build something lasting." ■