Despite extreme opposition and setbacks, Andretti Cadillac is still moving forward with its plans to put the luxury marque on the Formula One grid as though it’s a done deal. The organization has now hired veteran F1 technical officer, Pat Symonds, as its Executive Engineering Consultant.
According to Motorsport, Symonds was primed to leave his position as F1’s chief technical officer (CTO) after seven years at the helm. He was responsible for many of the technical regulations for the 2022 and 2026 seasons, and Andretti Cadillac is going to take full advantage of his expertise in the area as the organization readies itself for 2026.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Pat to the Andretti family,” said Michael Andretti of Andretti Global. “Pat’s keen understanding of aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics and Formula 1 power units will be instrumental as we continue to build a competitive team.”
He added, “I believe his expertise has been pivotal in shaping the narrative of Formula 1 and his vote of confidence in joining our effort speaks volumes. I’m really happy with this next step as our work continues at pace.”
Symonds was part of the Benetton team in the 1990s, earning championship wins with Michael Schumacher behind the wheel. He parted ways with the motorsports team before returning as a consultant for Virgin, then took up post as CTO at Williams before joining F1 proper in 2017.
Signing on Symonds underscores Andretti’s determination to get Cadillac into F1. F1 management has been adamant about keeping Caddy and Andretti out, denying the initial application and prompting the U.S. Congress to launch an investigation. In fact, Andretti Cadillac recently opened its headquarters in Silverstone and is recruiting employees.
For its part, F1 seems to have left the door open for a potential GM entry in the future, just not now.
“We would look differently on an application for the entry of a team into the 2028 Championship with a GM power unit, either as a GM works team or as a GM customer team designing all allowable components in-house,” F1 stated.
Subscribe to GM Authority for more GM-related racing and motorsports news, Cadillac news, GM business news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Moving opposite to market trends.
With four model years recommended for purchase.
This example is a former NCRS award winner.
Many automakers oppose right-to-repair laws citing cybersecurity concerns.
Breaking out the spec sheets for a comparison.
View Comments
Go for it!
Federal trade commission needs to look into F1 and its access to US capital and markets.