In a dramatic Monday revelation, Formula 1 has announced a deal in principle with General Motors and its iconic Cadillac brand that should pave the way for an earth-shattering 11th team to storm the grid in 2026.
The agreement will see GM's Cadillac-branded outfit join F1's ranks as a customer team, relying on Andretti Global's operation and facilities in Silverstone as its powerhouse.
Furthermore, the American automotive giant plans to unleash its own in-house power units by 2028, signaling its intent to become a long-term competitor in the sport.
Formula 1 says that it has “maintained a dialogue with General Motors, and its partners at TWG Global, regarding the viability of an entry” following the commercial assessment and decision made by Formula 1 in January 2024.
“Over the course of this year, they have achieved operational milestones and made clear their commitment to brand the eleventh team GM/Cadillac, and that GM will enter as an engine supplier at a later time,” read the statement from Formula 1.
“Formula 1 is therefore pleased to move forward with this application process and will provide further updates in due course.”
Recent months have seen a positive shift in the ongoing talks between Formula 1 officials and General Motors, progress that materialized after Michael Andretti's resignation as Andretti Global CEO, with TWG Global CEO and majority shareholder Dan Towriss taking the helm of the motorsport conglomerate.
Towriss, who first partnered with Andretti through the sponsorship of Gainbridge, was spotted at the Las Vegas Grand Prix paddock, where further discussions about a potential Andretti-GM entry into F1 took place.
While GM won't have its own engine ready until 2028, there's speculation that the team could initially partner with Ferrari from 2026 onwards. This interim arrangement would allow the American automaker to gradually build up its engine program while competing at the highest level of motorsport.
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"With Formula 1's continued growth plans in the US, we have always believed that welcoming an impressive US brand like GM/Cadillac to the grid and GM as a future power unit supplier could bring additional value and interest to the sport," said outgoing Liberty Media CEO and president Greg Maffei.
"We credit the leadership of General Motors and their partners with significant progress in their readiness to enter Formula 1. We are excited to move forward with the application process for the GM/Cadillac team to enter the championship in 2026."
GM's president Mark Reuss added: "As the pinnacle of motorsports, F1 demands boundary-pushing innovation and excellence.
"It's an honor for General Motors and Cadillac to join the world's premier racing series, and we're committed to competing with passion and integrity to elevate the sport for race fans around the world.
"This is a global stage for us to demonstrate GM's engineering expertise and technology leadership at an entirely new level."
Commenting on Formula 1's agreement in principle with GM, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the governing body was "fully supportive" of the burgeoning deal.
"General Motors is a huge global brand and powerhouse in the OEM world and is working with impressive partners," he said.
"I am fully supportive of the efforts made by the FIA, Formula 1, GM and the team to maintain dialogue and work towards this outcome of an agreement in principle to progress this application to bring a GM/Cadillac branded team onto the grid for 2026 .
"All parties, including the FIA, will continue to work together to ensure the process progresses smoothly."
TWG Global CEO and Andretti Global majority shareholder Dan Towriss.
TWG Global CEO Dan Towriss added: 'We're excited to partner with General Motors in bringing a dynamic presence to Formula 1.
"Together, we’re assembling a world-class team that will embody American innovation and deliver unforgettable moments to race fans around the world. We appreciate the FIA and FOM’s support of our application and their recognition of the value we can bring to the championship."
On Monday, ahead of F1's ground-breaking announcement, it was announced that Andretti Global had appointed former Renault engine tech boss Rob White as its new Chief Operating Officer.
As an engineer anchored to Renault's engine program at Enstone since 2004, White oversaw the manufacturer's glory years as a championship winning works outfit and then with Red Bull from 2010 until 2013.
White, who relinquished his role as Alpine's operation director at Enstone last June, will work alongside many familiar faces at Andretti Global, including technical director Nick Chester, head of aerodynamics Jon Tomlinson, and executive engineering consultant Pat Symonds.
"We're excited to partner with General Motors in bringing a dynamic presence to Formula 1," commented TWG Global CEO Dan Towriss added.
"Together, we’re assembling a world-class team that will embody American innovation and deliver unforgettable moments to race fans around the world. We appreciate the FIA and FOM’s support of our application and their recognition of the value we can bring to the championship."
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