Cadillac's Ferrari engine: Graeme Lowdon backs legality amid 2026 regulation controversy

The 2026 Formula 1 season represents one of the most radical regulation changes in the sport's modern history, fundamentally reshaping how power units function and what manufacturers prioritize in their development programs. At the heart of these transformations lies a bold new power unit concept: a revolutionary 50:50 split between internal combustion and electric power. This departure from previous hybrid formulas marks a significant philosophical shift, one designed to attract manufacturers seeking road-relevant technology while simultaneously enhancing F1's commitment to sustainability.

The new power unit retains the familiar 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 engine architecture but introduces a substantially upgraded MGU-K system that now delivers approximately 350kW (around 470 brake horsepower) to the rear wheels, compared to just 120kW in the previous regulations. Simultaneously, the removal of the complex MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit-Heat) eliminates one of motorsport's most expensive and technically intricate systems, simplifying the overall package while paradoxically increasing the electrical component's influence over performance.

The compression ratio controversy: context and concerns

However, before teams could celebrate this new technological frontier, an emerging controversy threatened to cloud the 2026 season's opening chapters. At the center of this dispute sits an unassuming technical specification: the compression ratio limit of 16:1. According to reports, both Mercedes and Red Bull are understood to have developed technology that allows their power units to adhere to the regulations during stationary testing while achieving higher compression ratios when running on track—conditions beyond the scope of FIA checks.

This technical maneuvering has prompted concerns from other manufacturers, with Ferrari, Audi, and Honda reportedly choosing not to implement such systems. The situation presented a potential competitive minefield for teams forced to accept customer engines from manufacturers suspected of exploiting regulatory gray areas.

Cadillac's confidence: the Ferrari partnership advantage

Into this complex landscape steps Cadillac Formula 1, the American manufacturer's long-awaited entry into the championship, making their debut with Ferrari power units. Team Principal Graeme Lowdon has publicly expressed his confidence that the Ferrari engine is completely legal under the new regulations, providing reassurance to stakeholders and team personnel alike.

"What I'm very confident and happy about is we have a fully legal engine," Lowdon told Sky Sports News, directly addressing concerns about potential performance disadvantages. "With these engines, the combustion is not allowed to take place at a compression ratio above 16 to 1. Without going into too many details, we know that Ferrari have completely followed the rules where that stands. That gives us a lot of confidence."

Lowdon's remarks underscore a critical distinction: while Mercedes and Red Bull may have pursued aggressive interpretations of the technical regulations, Ferrari has opted for a conservative, unambiguously compliant approach.

Beyond the Power Unit: a comprehensive partnership

Significantly, the Ferrari-Cadillac relationship extends beyond simple power unit supply. The Italian manufacturer provides not merely an engine but also crucial technical personnel and operational support that strengthens Cadillac's competitive position. This comprehensive partnership model reflects Ferrari's investment in the team's long-term success and their confidence in the regulatory framework they've designed around.

"They don't just provide us with a power unit, they provide us with some technical support in terms of people who join the team," Lowdon emphasized, highlighting the human capital dimension often overlooked in discussions of technical partnerships.

The Cadillac-Ferrari alliance became tangible when Cadillac conducted its maiden private shakedown with the 2026 Ferrari power unit at Silverstone, becoming the first team to run the new generation engines. This milestone moment showcased not merely operational readiness but also validated Ferrari's engine development trajectory heading into the season's inaugural pre-season testing session in Barcelona.

The bigger picture: patience and long-term strategy

While Cadillac's immediate future depends on Ferrari's reliable supply and technical support, the American outfit's long-term strategy involves manufacturing its own engines through parent company General Motors. This works project currently targets 2029 as its launch date, allowing Cadillac several years to establish competitive credibility and learn the sport's technical demands before transitioning to power unit independence.

Lowdon's resolute confidence in Ferrari's regulatory compliance reflects not just technical certainty but strategic clarity. By publicly backing Ferrari's interpretation of the compression ratio regulations, Cadillac positions itself as a principled actor unwilling to compromise competitive integrity for marginal performance gains.

As the 2026 season approaches, Graeme Lowdon's conviction regarding Ferrari's legal engine may ultimately prove the most important statement—not for what it reveals about technical compliance, but for what it demonstrates about an organization's foundational values as it embarks on its F1 journey.