History has shown that enormous investment and success in another series doesn’t always translate into taming F1. Cadillac can learn a lot from the mistakes made by three other highly touted open-wheel efforts from respected automakers. These internationally recognized racing stalwarts saw their plans for dominance laid to waste despite the best of intentions and deep pockets, providing a perfect template for how not to win in racing’s most challenging venues.

Cadillac (and in a slightly lesser role, Ford) are both entering Formula 1 racing this year. I did a deep dive for Motor Trend on how open wheel racing has broken major automakers in the past, and outline how Cadillac in particular can avoid the pitfalls associated with this level of motorsports.