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 Advisor final yr, weeks after quitting his earlier position.
At Cadillac Symonds will reunite with quite a few 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 ultimately 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 workforce, 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 gentle for 2026.
Taking to Linkedin, Symonds introduced his arrival at Cadillac whereas giving additional perception to the venture.
“I’m delighted to announce that at this time I formally take up my new position at Cadillac as we construct our workforce 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 (after we final had a brand new energy unit), we’ve got lower than 400 days till the automotive runs.
“Normal Motors (GM) have a protracted motorsport custom,” he continued, “and I bear in mind as a younger boy seeing the Chaparral 2F win the (1967) BOAC 500 at Manufacturers Hatch. Jim Corridor, the person behind Chaparral at all times acknowledged the contribution GM made to that programme.
“Extra just lately by their Chevrolet and Cadillac manufacturers they’ve been aggressive in Sports activities Automotive racing along with being an influence unit provider to IndyCar. From Le Mans to Talladega and sports activities automobiles to inventory automobiles, they know win.
“On the identical time, as the head of motorsports, they absolutely respect the innovation and excellence required in F1 and what it would take to construct the workforce to duplicate the success they’ve loved in different collection.
“Constructing a Components 1 automotive is a frightening however properly documented process,” he admits. “The timelines and gateways are properly established, and the workforce already has loads of skilled personnel who’ve been designing and growing the automotive for some whereas. Alongside them others have been placing into place the required processes to make sure we are able to 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 facet of up to date F1 that can tremendously please the powers that be, however do little for the remainder of us.
“The workforce will probably be constructed round not simply the best engineering requirements but additionally the best ESG requirements as we work towards making it the very best workforce to work for in Components 1,” he claims.
And it was all sounding so good.
