The new Cadillac Formula 1 Team has secured a significant technological partnership, announcing software provider IFS as its latest commercial backer. The deal marks a strategic step for the American outfit as it intensifies preparations for its highly anticipated entry into the championship this year.
A Strategic Partnership for a New Era
Sweden-based IFS becomes the team’s third commercial partner and, crucially, its first from outside the United States. It joins existing sponsors Tommy Hilfiger and Jim Beam in supporting the ambitious project. The collaboration is centred on embedding enterprise software into the team's core operations from the very beginning.
Team principal Graeme Lowden emphasised the foundational role IFS has played. "IFS has been instrumental in helping Cadillac Formula 1 Team launch the first new team in Formula 1 for over a decade," he stated. "We decided to implement IFS early on in our journey – before we even bought coffee machines for the office."
He explained that the software is crucial for scaling the operation, stating it provides "tools to establish best practices, manage complexity, and accelerate innovation." From supply chain logistics to advanced engineering, the platform is designed to streamline decision-making, allowing the team to concentrate on its primary objective: building a competitive car.
Gearing Up for the Grid
Cadillac is set to become the 11th team on the Formula 1 grid when the 2026 season commences in March. The team, a joint venture between automotive giant General Motors and investment firm TWG Global, has established bases in the United States and at the UK's motorsport hub in Silverstone.
Its driver line-up features considerable experience, having signed former world champion Valtteri Bottas and race-winner Sergio Perez. The team's ownership has strong sporting links; TWG Global is owned by investor Mark Walter, who holds major stakes in the LA Dodgers baseball team, the LA Lakers basketball franchise, and a share in Chelsea FC's parent company.
Technology Where Milliseconds Matter
For IFS, the partnership represents a high-profile entry into the pinnacle of motorsport. Oliver Pilgerstorfer, Chief Marketing Officer at IFS, highlighted the synergy between the sport's demands and their technology. "Formula 1 is a sport where milliseconds matter, and technology can make the difference between winning and losing," he said.
"By embedding IFS into Cadillac Formula 1 Team’s operations, we’re helping the team gain greater agility, optimise resources, and push the boundaries of performance." The deal underscores the increasing importance of sophisticated data management and operational software in developing a modern, competitive F1 team from a clean sheet.
With its debut just months away, the Cadillac F1 Team's partnership with IFS signals its commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology in its quest to make an immediate impact in one of the world's most technologically advanced sports.
