Cadillac boss says F1 should add more teams: ‘This is not a franchise sport’

John Roth, global vice president for Cadillac, has ignited a significant debate within the elite echelons of motorsport, openly advocating for an expansion of the Formula 1 grid and firmly asserting that the sport should not be treated as a “franchise.” This powerful statement arrives at a crucial juncture for F1, as it prepares to welcome an 11th competitor to its esteemed lineup in 2026, marking the first addition to the grid after a consistent ten-team structure has prevailed for well over a decade. Roth’s declaration directly challenges the established framework of the championship, suggesting a pressing need for enhanced inclusivity and intensified competition within this premier global racing series.

Cadillac’s clear stance on F1 team expansion is inextricably linked to its broader strategic ambitions, particularly given its high-profile partnership with Andretti Global. This collaboration sees the American automotive giant throwing its considerable weight behind Andretti’s persistent efforts to secure an entry into Formula 1, highlighting a proactive desire to participate at the pinnacle of motorsport. Roth’s vision extends beyond mere entry; it underscores a belief that a larger, more diverse grid would not only benefit new entrants like Andretti Cadillac but also enrich the sport as a whole, fostering a more dynamic and accessible competitive landscape.

The rationale underpinning Cadillac’s advocacy for expansion is multifaceted and compelling. A larger Formula 1 grid promises several key advantages, including the fostering of greater technical innovation as more entities compete for a competitive edge. It also presents a significant opportunity to attract new manufacturers and automotive brands, much like Cadillac itself, thereby injecting fresh investment and technological prowess into the sport. Crucially, an expanded grid could intensify the racing spectacle for F1’s burgeoning global fanbase, offering more diverse narratives, rivalries, and on-track action, ultimately enhancing the entertainment value for millions of enthusiasts worldwide.

However, the call for Formula 1 team expansion is not without its complexities, as it navigates deeply entrenched dynamics within the sport. Existing teams and F1 management frequently weigh the advantages of exclusivity and financial stability, which a limited grid ostensibly provides, against the calls for growth and new blood. This creates a delicate balance, where the perceived dilution of prize money and operational challenges for existing participants often clash with the potential for broader appeal and competitive vitality that new entrants could bring to the F1 ecosystem. Roth’s remarks underscore this fundamental tension, pushing against a perceived closed-shop model.

Roth’s bold vision signals a potential philosophical shift for Formula 1, moving it away from what some perceive as an exclusive club towards a more open and competitively vibrant environment. By advocating for greater accessibility for new teams, Cadillac aims to transform the future landscape of the sport, fostering an atmosphere where merit and ambition can more readily translate into participation at the highest level. This perspective champions a long-term strategy for F1 that prioritizes sustained growth and competitive integrity over maintaining a static, financially protected structure for the current incumbents.

The implications of such a significant F1 team expansion could reverberate throughout the motorsport world, influencing everything from driver development pathways to strategic partnerships and technological advancements. A more competitive grid, with additional teams and manufacturers, could drive down reliance on customer engines, encourage more diverse technical solutions, and create a richer talent pool for drivers and engineers alike. This would not only enhance the sporting integrity of Formula 1 but also solidify its position as the ultimate proving ground for automotive innovation and racing prowess on a global stage.

Ultimately, John Roth’s forthright statement regarding Formula 1 not being a “franchise sport” represents a powerful intervention in an ongoing debate about the championship’s future direction. As F1 stands on the cusp of welcoming its 11th team, Cadillac’s vocal support for further expansion underscores a growing sentiment that sustained growth and renewed competition are vital for the sport’s long-term health and global appeal. This advocacy could well be a catalyst for a transformative period, reshaping how Formula 1 balances its commercial interests with its foundational commitment to open, elite motorsport competition.