Formula 1 has agreed “in principle” with General Motors to expand the 2026 Formula 1 grid to 11 teams with a Cadillac entry.
In a statement, F1 has confirmed that it has “reached an agreement in principle with General Motors to support bringing GM/Cadillac as the eleventh team to the Formula 1 grid in 2026.
“Formula 1 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.
“Formula 1 is therefore pleased to move forward with this application process and will provide further updates in due course.”
News gathered pace in the Las Vegas Grand Prix paddock that General Motors was nearing an agreement with F1, having taken a stronger hold over the prospective Andretti bid.
Andretti had past muster with the FIA in 2023 as the governing body sought to welcome a new entry in the sport, only to meet a barrier in the form of commercial rights holder Liberty Media and Formula One Management.
F1 was dissatisfied with Andretti alone and couldn’t see how the entry added value to the F1 grid.
However, with the prospect of a 2028 GM power unit, Andretti, spearheaded by owner Michael, was encouraged to reapply later.
The exclusion rubbed the US Department of Justice the wrong way, and a probe was launched against Liberty to determine whether Andretti had been wrongly dismissed.
There is no doubt that has played a part in General Motors’ advanced bid, but more important is the development surrounding Michael Andretti.
It is said that Mr Andretti’s approach wasn’t welcome in F1 circles and that he was doing more damage to the bid than good, even with a satellite site built in Silverstone to start work on a 2026 car.
However, in September, Andretti ceased control of his eponymous enterprise to new majority owner Dan Towriss, who has been able to advance talks with F1 with General Motors in tow.
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In its statement, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said: “General Motors and Cadillac’s commitment to this project is an important and positive demonstration of the evolution of our sport.
“We look forward to seeing the progress and growth of this entry, certain of the full collaboration and support of all the parties involved.”
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “General Motors is a huge global brand and powerhouse in the OEM world and is working with impressive partners.
“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 on the grid for the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship.
“All parties, including the FIA, will continue to work together to ensure the process progresses smoothly.”
Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Global’s motorsport business said he was “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.’’
A statement released by Cadillac says that its own F1 team will “highlight the Cadillac brand to a diverse international audience, showcasing GM’s technology and design capabilities.”
It has also announced that 1978 F1 World Champion Mario Andretti, the last American to claim the crown and father of Michael, will serve as a director on its board.
“My first love was Formula 1 and now – 70 years later – the F1 paddock is still my happy place,” Andretti said.
“I’m absolutely thrilled with Cadillac, Formula 1, Mark Walter, and Dan Towriss. To still be involved at this stage of my life — I have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.”
Ferrari slated to power the General Motors Cadillac F1 entry
General Motors will still require a customer power unit for the first two years of its entry until a Cadillac-badged engine is ready for 2028.
It is believed that the most likely supplier will be Ferrari with the Scuderia able to fill the customer hole left by Sauber as it transitions into the Audi works entry.
Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur was coy on the matter when prompted to comment in Vegas.
“First let’s wait to have an 11th team on the grid before discussing about engine,” he said.
Still, with the aforementioned Silverstone site already working at pace, Cadillac sniffing around Renault’s shelved 2026 power unit IP for inspiration and key hires already made, the General Motors bid looks well prepared.
Nick Chester, formerly of Lotus, Benetton and Arrows has been present as the outfit’s Technical Director since March, 2023 and the prospective entry is awaiting former F1 Chief Technical Office Pat Symonds.
Symonds, a well-versed guru of F1’s technical field, is set to join GM Cadillac as an Executive Engineering Consultant once his gardening leave concludes.
There has also been movement from Andretti Global, with former Renault engine technical director Rob White announcing that he has joined Andretti Global as its Chief Operating Officer,
