Cadillac has adopted the playbook used by NASA to build its new Formula One team from scratch, and with just over 100 days to go before its maiden race in Melbourne, time is running out. The company's approach mirrors that of the space agency, where multiple teams worked on different aspects of the Apollo project across various locations.
The Cadillac team principal, Graeme Lowdon, has likened the task of building a new F1 team to landing on the moon, with super short timelines and a huge amount of work to be done. The chief technical officer, Nick Chester, who joined the team in March 2023, when it was still an unapproved entry, has been instrumental in its development.
Chester's experience at Renault, where he helped Fernando Alonso win the championship in 2005 and 2006, and his work on the new Mercedes Formula E team, have prepared him for the task of bringing the all-American Cadillac brand into F1. However, he acknowledges that building a team from scratch is unlike anything else, with no chance to change cultural approach.
The team has recruited over 400 personnel, with plans to reach a target of 600 soon, and is completing an HQ at Fishers in Indianapolis alongside its Silverstone base. The GM works in Charlotte, North Carolina, are where they are building the facility to manufacture the new engine, set for 2029, until then they will run Ferrari power units.
Cadillac has taken on Colton Herta, a 25-year-old Californian who won multiple IndyCar races, as its test driver with a view to him earning a seat and competing in F2 next season. The team's adoption of a flat management structure similar to NASA's is intended to promote collaboration, enthusiasm, and excitement among staff.
The stakes for F1 are high, with Cadillac potentially offering exponential growth to the sport's popularity in the US. As the team prepares for its debut in Melbourne, it will need to live up to Nasa's mantra "Failure is not an option." For now, simply getting on the grid will be an achievement, and the team is focused on proving itself as a credible and progressive F1 outfit.
The Cadillac team principal, Graeme Lowdon, has likened the task of building a new F1 team to landing on the moon, with super short timelines and a huge amount of work to be done. The chief technical officer, Nick Chester, who joined the team in March 2023, when it was still an unapproved entry, has been instrumental in its development.
Chester's experience at Renault, where he helped Fernando Alonso win the championship in 2005 and 2006, and his work on the new Mercedes Formula E team, have prepared him for the task of bringing the all-American Cadillac brand into F1. However, he acknowledges that building a team from scratch is unlike anything else, with no chance to change cultural approach.
The team has recruited over 400 personnel, with plans to reach a target of 600 soon, and is completing an HQ at Fishers in Indianapolis alongside its Silverstone base. The GM works in Charlotte, North Carolina, are where they are building the facility to manufacture the new engine, set for 2029, until then they will run Ferrari power units.
Cadillac has taken on Colton Herta, a 25-year-old Californian who won multiple IndyCar races, as its test driver with a view to him earning a seat and competing in F2 next season. The team's adoption of a flat management structure similar to NASA's is intended to promote collaboration, enthusiasm, and excitement among staff.
The stakes for F1 are high, with Cadillac potentially offering exponential growth to the sport's popularity in the US. As the team prepares for its debut in Melbourne, it will need to live up to Nasa's mantra "Failure is not an option." For now, simply getting on the grid will be an achievement, and the team is focused on proving itself as a credible and progressive F1 outfit.
so i think cadillac's approach to building its new f1 team from scratch is pretty cool 
they're basically mirroring nasa's playbook which is all about collaboration & teamwork 
like, who wouldn't want a workplace that's as exciting as exploring space? 
and are aiming to reach 600 soon - it's gonna be awesome to see this team come together 
and think they've got a shot at making some noise in the f1 world 
I'm telling you, this whole F1 thing with Cadillac is some shady business 
. They're basically copying NASA's playbook to get ahead, but what's really going on here? Are they trying to brainwash the American public into accepting a new, corporate-controlled racing league? 
And what about the IndyCar driver Colton Herta? Is he in on it too? 
This whole thing just feels like a clever PR stunt to distract us from the real issues. I mean, 400 employees and counting? That's just a lot of people being fed a lie 
. And what about the Ferrari power units? Are they really just borrowing from their competitors or is there more to it? 
Cadillac's approach is all about collaboration and enthusiasm, which I think is a great way to tackle any big project. And let's be real, failure isn't the end of the world – it's just an opportunity to learn and try again. The key is to stay focused on your goals and keep pushing forward, even when things get tough.
! And Colton Herta as the test driver? That's like having a rocket fuel on board 
. The stakes are high, but with 100 days to go before their Melbourne debut, they need to stay focused and keep pushing 
. I'm rooting for them, not just because it's America's baby car brand 
, but 'cause who doesn't love a good underdog story?
i mean, it's not gonna be easy but if anyone can pull it off, cadillac might just do it 
the fact that they've got someone like colton herta on board is also a great sign for their future - he's young, talented, and has IndyCar experience 
, but I guess you need that kinda energy when you're trying to land on the moon 
of F1 
, less red tape means more innovation 
. With Colton Herta on board as test driver, there's potential for significant growth in popularity for the sport in the US 
.
, this is crazy! 400+ people in just over 100 days? That's like building a whole new city! Interesting 
how they're taking inspiration from NASA, it's not like trying to put out a small fire 
- yeah, it's gonna be tough for them but I'm hyped to see how it plays out 
! F1 needs a boost in the US and Cadillac might just do it 