Although the initial response from other teams regarding the Cadillac F1 team’s entry into the sport were not all that positive (to say the least), it would seem that attitudes have since changed. The shift might have something to do with the $450 million dollar “entry-fee” the luxury marque paid to get into F1, which was more than double the $200 million specified in the 2021 Concorde Agreement, with each of the ten existing teams receiving an equal-sized piece of the “anti-dilution” pie.
Some folks think this influx of funds will continue, including McLaren American Chief Executive Zak Brown. According to a report from Reuters, Brown shared his thoughts on Cadillac F1’s inclusion at the Hungarian Grand Prix, telling reporters that he believes the pros outweighed the cons.
“Will we get a better U.S. TV deal, more American presence? I think their sponsors and Cadillac will spend money in the sport, the teams get a percentage of that so I see them as a value add to the sport,” Brown said. “I’m not worried about maybe some of the short term-ness of they are going to take an employee here or there or poach a sponsor here or there. I think the contribution will be bigger than that.”
In addition to assuaging some of the concerns of its competitors and overcoming various bureaucratic obstacles, the Cadillac F1 team has also unveiled its official logo (shown above), secured Tommy Hilfiger as its first official brand partner, and signed an agreement with Keanu Reeves to produce a new docuseries that focuses on the team’s journey to the starting grid.
