Hollywood director Michael Bay has initiated a lawsuit against Cadillac F1 for £1.1 million, claiming that the Formula 1 team appropriated his creative concepts for an advertisement shown during the Super Bowl. Bay alleges that his ideas were used without proper authorization and accuses Dan Towriss, the boss of TWG Motorsports, of breach of contract and fraud. The lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles, indicating that legal proceedings will take place in the U.S.

The controversy arises from Cadillac F1's recent advertisement aired during Super Bowl LV, which revealed the innovative livery of their debut F1 car, set to compete in the 2026 season. The advertising spot, notable for its high production value, featured an asymmetrical design of the car, split between a predominantly white side and a predominantly black side, capturing the attention of viewers during one of the largest annual televised events. This high visibility could further amplify the stakes of the lawsuit.

Cadillac F1 has responded publicly to Bay's claims, but the details of their defense remain undisclosed at this point. The outcome of this legal dispute could not only affect Bay's financial claims but also set a precedent regarding the ownership of creative ideas in advertising within the high-stakes world of Formula 1. As the case develops, it draws interest not only from fans of motorsports but also from those in entertainment and advertising sectors.