A New Chapter in F1’s Expansion
Formula 1 is on the cusp of a significant change. For the first time since 2016, the grid will welcome a brand-new team. Cadillac, the American luxury marque, is gearing up to join the championship in 2026, and with that comes the monumental task of building an entire racing operation from the ground up. While much of the spotlight falls on the car and the drivers, the unsung heroes behind the scenes – the trackside crew – are just as crucial to success. And Cadillac has found the perfect person to lead that charge.
The Man for the Job
Peter Crolla is no stranger to the challenges of starting from zero. As the long-serving team manager at Haas, he was instrumental in getting the American outfit off the ground when it entered F1 in 2016. Haas was the last new team to join the series, and Crolla was there from the very beginning, helping to shape its operational identity. Now, a decade later, he is ready to do it all over again.
When Cadillac began its search for a race team manager, they didn’t have to look far. Crolla was looking for a new challenge, and the prospect of building another team from scratch was exactly what he wanted. It was a natural fit. The opportunity to apply everything he learned at Haas to a fresh project, with the backing of a major automotive brand, was too tempting to pass up.
No Nine-to-Five Cruise
Crolla is under no illusions about the scale of the task ahead. In a recent interview, he described the process as "no nine to five cruise." It’s a sentiment that resonates with anyone who has worked in the high-pressure world of Formula 1. Building a trackside team from nothing means recruiting mechanics, engineers, and logistics experts, establishing procedures, and ensuring that every single element is in place before the car hits the track for the first time.
The challenge is not just about hiring the right people – it’s about creating a cohesive unit that can operate flawlessly under the intense scrutiny of a Grand Prix weekend. Every pit stop, every setup change, every strategic decision relies on the seamless coordination of the trackside crew. And when you’re starting from zero, there is no room for error.
A Rewarding Challenge
Despite the daunting workload, Crolla describes the challenge as "rewarding." There is a unique satisfaction in seeing a team come together from nothing, in watching individuals from diverse backgrounds gel into a well-oiled machine. For someone who has already done it once, the appeal is clear. It’s not just about replicating past success – it’s about doing it better, learning from previous mistakes, and building a culture that can endure.
Cadillac’s entry into F1 is a significant moment for the sport. It brings a new manufacturer to the grid, expands the American presence, and adds to the growing global appeal of the championship. But for Crolla, the focus is on the ground-level work. Every day brings new challenges, from finalizing the recruitment of key personnel to ensuring that the logistics are in place for the first test sessions. It’s a long road, but one that he is clearly excited to travel.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As the 2026 season approaches, Cadillac’s trackside team will take shape. The infrastructure, the personnel, and the procedures will all be put to the test for the first time. It’s a daunting prospect, but with Crolla at the helm, the team is in experienced hands. His track record at Haas, where he helped build a team that has become a regular points-scorer, speaks for itself.
For fans, the arrival of Cadillac is a reason to be optimistic about the future of F1. More teams mean more competition, more drama, and more excitement. But for those on the inside, like Crolla, it’s also a reminder of the immense effort that goes into making a Grand Prix happen. It’s a labour of love, a test of endurance, and ultimately, a rewarding challenge that few get to experience.
As the countdown to 2026 continues, Crolla and his team will be working tirelessly behind the scenes. There will be long hours, sleepless nights, and countless obstacles to overcome. But if anyone can do it, it’s the man who has been there before. The journey is just beginning, and the world will be watching.
