Marc Hynes, central figure in Lewis Hamilton’s career, takes leadership of Cadillac’s new F1 project

5 min read
Hamilton Foto: Hamilton - X / @ScuderiaFerrari

A significant change behind the scenes at Fórmula 1 marks the category’s scenario. Marc Hynes, known for being one of the most important and long-lived figures in managing the career of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, is leaving his team to take on a leadership position in the ambitious Cadillac F1 project. The transition occurs at a time of great transformations for both, with Hamilton preparing for its transfer to Ferrari and Cadillac intensifying its preparations to join the grid.

Hynes’s decision to join the new American team, which will operate in partnership with Andretti Global, represents a strategic move that places him at the center of one of the newest and most eagerly awaited operations in world motorsport. Sua vasta experiência na gestão de um atleta de elite e em projetos comerciais complexos é vista como um trunfo fundamental para a estruturação da equipe que almeja competir a partir da temporada de 2026, quando um novo regulamento de motores entrará em vigor.

This move also signals another step in the dismantling of the structure that surrounded Hamilton during its years of dominance in Mercedes. Hynes’s departure follows other changes in the driver’s inner circle, indicating a complete reconfiguration of his professional surroundings as he prepares for the new challenge in the Maranello team.

The long partnership between Hynes and Hamilton

The professional relationship between Marc Hynes and Lewis Hamilton is one of the most long-lasting and successful in modern Fórmula 1. The partnership began long before Hamilton became a global star, dating back to the times when the British driver was still competing in the lower categories of motorsport. Hynes, who also had his own career as a driver and was champion of the Fórmula 3 Britânica in 1999, acted as a mentor and coach to

After a period away, Hynes returned to Hamilton’s circle in a more formal and strategic role, becoming CEO of Project 44, the seven-time champion’s career and business management company. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing Hamilton’s business interests, contracts and partnerships, ensuring the driver’s brand expanded beyond the racetrack. Sua management was crucial in consolidating Hamilton’s image as a global icon, engaging in fashion, music and social activism.

The ambitious project of Cadillac at Fórmula 1

The entry of Cadillac into the Fórmula 1, in collaboration with the experienced Andretti team, is one of the most talked about projects in sport. The initiative represents the return of an American automotive giant, the General Motors, to the main category of world motorsport. The goal is to establish an all-American team, with a base of operations in the Estados Unidos and Europa, to compete at the highest level.

The path to approval, however, was not simple. Embora to Federação Internacional from The initial rejection sparked an intense debate about expanding the grid.

Despite the obstacles, Andretti Cadillac did not give up on its plans. The team continued to invest in infrastructure, hiring key personnel and developing its facilities, including a new headquarters at Silverstone, at Reino Unido. The hiring of a figure of the caliber of Marc Hynes is further proof of the seriousness and commitment of the project.

The team’s goal is to be ready to compete from the 2026 season onwards, taking advantage of the major change in power unit regulations. Cadillac has already registered as an engine supplier for this new era, which strengthens its position and demonstrates a long-term intention to be a competitive force and not just another number on the grid.

What will be the role of Marc Hynes in Cadillac

While the exact details of his role have not yet been fully disclosed, Marc Hynes is expected to take on a senior management role, possibly as a team director or in an operational oversight role. Sua experience in building and managing a complex organization like Project 44 qualifies him to lead the structuring of the new team.

His responsibilities will likely include overseeing team development, hiring talent in key areas such as engineering, aerodynamics and track operations, as well as managing relationships with commercial partners and the governance of Fórmula 1.

Restructuring in the Hamilton team

Marc Hynes’s departure is the latest chapter in the reconfiguration of Lewis Hamilton’s personal team. Nos In recent years, the pilot has seen other important figures around him follow new paths, such as his former physiotherapist and assistant, Angela Cullen. Essas changes are natural in long careers, but they gain greater importance in the context of the imminent change from Hamilton to Ferrari.

This transition to a new factory team, with a completely different culture and working methods, requires significant adaptation. The restructuring of his personal team can be seen as preparation for this new cycle, allowing the rider to surround himself with new people and ideas as he seeks his eighth world title.

For Project 44, the departure of its CEO will require new leadership to manage Hamilton’s multiple business and brand interests. The company plays a key role in initiatives such as Mission 44, the pilot’s charitable foundation, and other strategic partnerships that will continue to be an important part of his legacy.

The new rules of 2026 as a decisive factor

The 2026 Fórmula 1 season is seen as a turning point for the category, mainly due to the introduction of radically new engine regulations. Future power units will eliminate the complex and expensive MGU-H (Engine Generator Unit – Heat), increase electrical power to almost 50% of total production and require the use of 100% sustainable fuels. Essa technical reset is what makes it such an attractive time for new manufacturers like Cadillac and Audi to enter the competition. Para a new team, starting on a level playing field where all competitors are developing technology from scratch, represents the best opportunity to be competitive from the start. Hynes’s experience managing high-tech projects and navigating regulatory transitions will be invaluable to Cadillac as it needs to get its development right to avoid falling behind. The American team’s bet is that by fully focusing on this new era, they can outperform established teams that need to divide their resources between current operations and future development.

The future of Hamilton at Ferrari

While Marc Hynes begins his journey with Cadillac, Lewis Hamilton prepares for one of the most anticipated chapters of his career. The move to Scuderia Ferrari in 2025 is one of the most impactful transfers in the history of Fórmula 1, uniting the most successful driver of all time with the most iconic and traditional team in the sport.

Luís Henrique Costa é jornalista formado pela FMU, editor-chefe e fundador do Mix Vale, portal de notícias em atividade desde 2013. Responde pela direção editorial do veículo, que cobre Brasil e mundo em economia, benefícios sociais, esportes, tecnologia, ciência e entretenimento. Atua na área há mais de 15 anos e lidera uma equipe de cerca de 15 colaboradores.