The all-new Cadillac Formula 1 team is taking a page out of NASA's playbook to ensure a successful debut in the 2026 season. With just 250 days left until their first official practice session at the Australian Grand Prix, the team is racing against time to design and manufacture their cars from bases in Silverstone and the United States.

NASA-Inspired Management Structure

Cadillac has adopted a flat management structure inspired by NASA's Apollo missions to streamline communication and decision-making. Team principal Graeme Lowdon emphasized the importance of peer-to-peer interaction among engineers across different locations, including Silverstone, Charlotte, and Warren.

Rapid Development and Testing

The team has already built a proof-of-concept chassis, which has undergone rigorous crash testing in the UK, including a 50-tonne front-impact test. Additionally, a 60-percent scale model has been tested in Toyota's wind tunnel in Cologne.

Staff Expansion and Recruitment

Cadillac plans to increase its staff numbers to 600 by the time of its F1 debut. The team is confident in attracting top-level engineers from both the USA and Europe, leveraging the backing of Cadillac's parent company, GM, and the unique appeal of being a start-up F1 team.

The Mission Ahead

Lowdon likened the team's mission to NASA's Apollo project, noting the immovable deadlines and the necessity for seamless collaboration. The flat structure allows engineers to communicate directly, ensuring everyone is aligned with the mission to deliver a competitive car.

Conclusion

Cadillac's innovative approach, inspired by NASA, aims to overcome the challenges of a multi-site operation and tight deadlines. The success of this strategy will be evident when the car hits the track for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the team's journey to compete in Formula 1.