Cadillac has been moved to the lead of the Formula One constructors’ championship after an “extraordinary” review prompted by a late‑night call to the FIA, according to sources familiar with the matter.
How the ranking shift occurred
The American entrant, still in its first season and sitting near the bottom of the points table, suddenly appeared ahead of long‑standing powerhouse Mercedes following the intervention. Officials said the call asked the governing body to reassess the current standings and also to reconsider the driver lineup.
During the conversation, the caller praised the automaker, saying “Cadillac. Great company. Some say the greatest. They make the best cars.” The remarks continued with a claim of personal expertise in the sport, adding “I’ve seen all the Formula Ones. Every single one. Great people. Great cars, all of them.”
According to the report, the request also sought to replace Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas with NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr and the fictional racer Lightning McQueen. No official response from the FIA has been released.
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The proposed driver swap remains unconfirmed.
Sources close to the sport noted that the call described the current grid as “very suspect” and urged a review of “records” to confirm that it is indeed “faster” and “better” than its rivals.
Team leadership changes
Insiders indicated that Folarin Balogun, a striker for the United States, could be promoted to the role of team principal for the outfit. The suggestion aligns with a broader push to place American talent in senior positions within the organization.
The move has raised eyebrows among other competitors, who have not publicly commented on the ranking adjustment. Some analysts view the shift as an attempt to generate media buzz for the fledgling squad, while others see it as a genuine effort to address perceived inequities.
Fact sheet: the championship currently lists it with 12 points, Mercedes with 10, and the rest of the field trailing.
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Looking ahead, the situation could test the FIA’s procedural rules. If the governing body proceeds with a formal reassessment, it may set a precedent for external influences on the points system. The outcome could also affect sponsor commitments and fan engagement, especially if the proposed driver changes materialize.
From a cautious standpoint, the automaker’s sudden climb might prompt the sport’s regulators to tighten oversight of ranking appeals. While the call highlights a desire for “fairness,” the lack of transparent criteria could lead to further disputes if other teams seek similar interventions.
Meanwhile, the next race weekend will reveal whether the provisional standings hold or if the FIA issues a clarification. The official entry list for the upcoming event still shows Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas behind the wheel, and no confirmation of Dale Earnhardt Jr or Lightning McQueen has been published.
Cadillac’s promotion to the top spot remains a subject of debate, and the sport’s governing body has yet to announce any definitive action regarding the appeal.
