Jacques Villeneuve warns Cadillac F1 to emulate top teams like Mercedes and Ferrari, not Alpine

As Cadillac F1 gears up for its monumental entry into Formula 1 in 2026, one of the sport’s most decorated figures, Jacques Villeneuve, has weighed in with a stark warning. The 1997 World Champion, now a keen commentator, has cautioned the team against following in the footsteps of Alpine, labelling their model as “worthless” and urging the American brand to look towards Mercedes and Ferrari for inspiration.

Cadillac’s entry into F1 has been nothing short of sensational. With the FIA provisionally accepting the team’s entry as the 11th on the grid, many F1 enthusiasts and pundits alike have been eagerly awaiting what this new chapter holds. What stands out most about Cadillac’s move is that unlike many teams, which have purchased their way into the sport by acquiring assets from existing teams, Cadillac is building its F1 presence from scratch. This presents an entirely different set of challenges, with far more to prove than teams that have simply rebranded or taken over defunct operations.

Villeneuve, a respected voice in the F1 world, has been quick to warn Cadillac against following the pattern set by Alpine, who have struggled to make a significant impact since rebranding from Renault. Despite having a rich history and substantial resources, Alpine has struggled to build momentum in recent years, with its results often underwhelming compared to rivals such as Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari.

For Villeneuve, the key to Cadillac’s success lies in learning from the giants of F1—teams that have consistently performed at the highest level. Mercedes has been the benchmark for dominance in the hybrid era, while Ferrari continues to be a powerhouse despite the occasional setbacks. These teams have mastered the balance of innovation, stability, and relentless competition at the front of the grid. In contrast, Alpine’s inability to secure consistent results or challenge the top teams places them in Villeneuve’s “worthless” category, a warning that Cadillac should not fall into.

Cadillac’s entry follows a dramatic turn of events in F1’s ongoing expansion debate. While Andretti Global had initially submitted a petition for an 11th team, their bid was rejected due to a series of regulatory and financial concerns. However, after aligning with General Motors, the automotive giant behind the Cadillac brand, the FIA gave the green light for the team’s entry into the sport.

Unlike other recent teams like Haas, who took over the assets of a defunct team, Cadillac’s approach is more complex and ambitious. Building a team from the ground up is no easy feat, especially when the competition includes established powerhouses with years of expertise, vast resources, and access to the best technology available. In light of this, Cadillac will need to bring in top-tier engineering and managerial talent to ensure they can hit the ground running.

As Villeneuve pointed out, Cadillac must be careful not to fall into the trap of complacency that has plagued teams like Alpine. With their historic entry, Cadillac has the chance to make a significant mark in F1, but only if they adopt a strategy that mirrors the success of the sport’s top performers.

Villeneuve’s comments have sparked debate among F1 fans and experts, with some agreeing that Cadillac should be more ambitious in its approach, while others believe the team should take a slower, more measured path. Nonetheless, as the countdown to 2026 begins, all eyes will be on Cadillac and how they navigate the highly competitive world of Formula 1.