Pat Symonds has formally begun work at Cadillac forward of its proposed entry within the 2026 Components One World Championship.
Symonds, who was beforehand Chief Technical Officer at F1, was introduced as Cadillac’s Govt Engineering Guide final yr, weeks after quitting his earlier position.
At Cadillac Symonds will reunite with plenty of former colleagues together with (Technical Director) Nick Chester and (Chief Working Officer) Rob White, the Briton having been at Enstone within the Benetton days of Michael Schumacher and subsequently Renault, by whom he was finally fired, together with Flavio Briatore, for his or her roles within the notorious Crash-gate saga.
Symonds’ appointment was introduced whereas Michael Andretti was on the helm of the proposed staff, but it surely was solely after Dan Towriss took management and Andretti stood down that F1 regarded on the brand new outfit extra favourably, unofficially giving it the inexperienced mild for 2026.
Taking to Linkedin, Symonds introduced his arrival at Cadillac whereas giving additional perception to the challenge.
“I’m delighted to announce that in the present day I formally take up my new position at Cadillac as we construct our staff to contest the 2026 Components 1 World Championship,” he wrote.
“It’s an thrilling problem as, if the 2026 pre-season testing follows the sample of 2014 (once we final had a brand new energy unit), we’ve lower than 400 days till the automobile runs.
“Basic Motors (GM) have an extended motorsport custom,” he continued, “and I keep in mind as a younger boy seeing the Chaparral 2F win the (1967) BOAC 500 at Manufacturers Hatch. Jim Corridor, the person behind Chaparral all the time acknowledged the contribution GM made to that programme.
“Extra just lately by their Chevrolet and Cadillac manufacturers they’ve been aggressive in Sports activities Automobile racing along with being an influence unit provider to IndyCar. From Le Mans to Talladega and sports activities automobiles to inventory automobiles, they know tips on how to win.
“On the identical time, as the top of motorsports, they absolutely respect the innovation and excellence required in F1 and what it would take to construct the staff to duplicate the success they’ve loved in different collection.
“Constructing a Components 1 automobile is a frightening however nicely documented job,” he admits. “The timelines and gateways are nicely established, and the staff already has loads of skilled personnel who’ve been designing and growing the automobile for some whereas. Alongside them others have been placing into place the required processes to make sure we will adhere to the tight timelines and unwavering high quality required of Components 1.
“In parallel to this we’re constructing the infrastructure to help our problem at our base in Silverstone. Beginning with the proverbial ‘clear sheet of paper’ presents much more alternatives than it does challenges.”
Sadly, the positivity is considerably spoiled by the point out of a side of latest F1 that can significantly please the powers that be, however do little for the remainder of us.
“The staff will probably be constructed round not simply the very best engineering requirements but in addition the very best ESG requirements as we work towards making it the most effective staff to work for in Components 1,” he claims.
And it was all sounding so good.
