3M and the Cadillac Formula 1® Team have launched a multiyear partnership to apply advanced material science in one of the world’s most demanding performance environments.

By focusing on lightweight materials, manufacturing precision and real-time testing, the collaboration aims to deliver a critical performance advantage on the track, where vehicles face extreme conditions.

Why materials matter in Formula 1®

In Formula 1®, success is often determined by the smallest margins — fractions of a second that separate leaders from the rest of the field. To compete at this level, every component must perform in extreme environments.

That’s where 3M comes in.

3M is joining the Cadillac Formula 1® Team as its Official Material Science Partner, bringing more than 100 years of automotive expertise to one of the world’s most advanced engineering challenges.

The goal of the partnership is to deliver a measurable material advantage by helping improve performance, efficiency and reliability across the car and the supporting systems that keep it moving.

What 3M brings to the track

The collaboration centers on applying 3M’s science and manufacturing expertise to key areas of race car development and operations, including:

• Lightweight materials that help reduce mass without compromising strength
• Advanced bonding and surface preparation technologies
• Manufacturing optimization to improve precision and speed
• Laboratory testing and on-demand remote support for trackside analysis

These capabilities are critical in an environment where every detail is tested under pressure and even small, incremental improvements can help influence race outcomes.

From development to real-time performance

Unlike traditional product environments, Formula 1® operates as a continuous loop of design, testing and refinement, often within highly compressed timelines.

3M will support the Cadillac Formula 1® Team throughout this cycle, from early-stage material selection to trackside application. The partnership is designed to help accelerate how quickly innovations can move from concept to performance on the circuit.

“At 3M, we apply science and manufacturing expertise to help solve complex challenges,” said William Brown, 3M chairman and CEO. “This partnership demonstrates how our technologies can drive results in a highly demanding environment by advancing speed, efficiency and performance.”

Engineering advantage through collaboration

The Cadillac Formula 1® Team, formed by TWG Motorsports and General Motors, is building its program with a focus on precision engineering and innovation.

3M will also support:

• Material selection strategies for performance optimization
• Process improvements to maximize efficiency
• Testing and simulations of real-world race conditions
• Real-time consultation, repair and support

“Formula 1® represents one of the most demanding test environments for materials anywhere in the world,” said Wendy Bauer, group president of 3M’s Transportation and Electronics Business Group. “Working alongside the Cadillac team allows us to push the limits of what’s possible — and translate that learning into broader applications for our customers.”

Why this partnership matters

For 3M, the partnership reinforces its long-standing role in the automotive industry while opening new opportunities to show how material science can deliver results in extreme conditions.

The Formula 1® track gives 3M a high-speed environment to validate technologies, test materials at their limits, and speed up product development. The highest-performing solutions can be rapidly scaled for global automotive manufacturers, advancing the next generation of vehicles.

FAQ

What is the partnership between 3M and the Cadillac Formula 1® Team?

3M has entered into a multiyear global partnership with the Cadillac Formula 1® Team as its Official Material Science Partner. The collaboration focuses on applying 3M’s expertise in material science, engineering, manufacturing and testing to support car development, performance and team operations in one of the world’s most demanding environments.

Why is 3M partnering with the Cadillac Formula 1® Team?

Formula 1® provides an environment where every detail is tested under extreme conditions and even small improvements can influence performance. The partnership gives 3M an opportunity to apply its technologies and capabilities to help solve complex challenges related to speed, efficiency and performance.

What will 3M contribute through the partnership?

3M will support the Cadillac Formula 1® Team in areas including lightweight materials, bonding and surface preparation, manufacturing optimization, laboratory testing and real-time trackside assistance. The collaboration focuses on improving performance and helping accelerate the path from development to application.