US automotive giant General Motors has officially registered with the FIA to become a power unit manufacturer in Formula 1 starting from the 2028 season.
GM, through its Cadillac brand, is partnering with Andretti on the American outfit’s F1 project, with an aim to joining the grid from 2025 or 2026.
As a potential entrant, Andretti-Cadillac has received a green light from the FIA following the latter’s stringent selection process.
However, Andretti must now convince Formula 1 itself that its presence among motorsport’s elite will add value to its current field of contenders, the majority of which are against expanding the grid to eleven teams as this would inevitably dilute the sport’s prize fund and therefore reduce the 10 incumbent teams’ income.
But the news of GM’s ambition of becoming a genuine engine supplier to F1 from 2028 - when it will join Audi, Ferrari, Honda, Mercedes, Renault and Red Bull-Ford - is a significant boost to Andretti’s F1 project and a positive development that could go a long way towards appeasing the US outfit's doubters.
"We are thrilled that our new Andretti Cadillac F1 entry will be powered by a GM power unit,” confidently stated GM president Mark Reusse.
"With our deep engineering and racing expertise, we're confident we'll develop a successful power unit for the series, and position Andretti Cadillac as a true works team.
"We will run with the very best, at the highest levels, with passion and integrity that will help elevate the sport for race fans around the world."
©MarkAntarDesign
GM’s 2028 horizon implies that Andretti – should it enter F1 in 2025 as it plans – will require a temporary engine supply from one of F1’s current PU manufacturers.
Last year, Andretti signed a conditional agreement with Renault but this has now expired. It’s likely however that the French manufacturer would be the American outfit’s partner of choice during its interim period.
Reuss has made clear that GM has no interest in partnering with another entrant than Andretti for its F1 endeavor.
“GM is committed to partnering with Andretti to race in F1,” said the GM boss. “The collaboration between Andretti-Cadillac brings together two unique entities built for racing, both with long pedigrees of success in motorsport globally.”
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
