Mario Andretti has revealed the General Motors Formula 1 entry is eyeing up a Ferrari engine supply for its 2026 debut, along with the driving talents of American Colton Herta.
Andretti’s son Michael had long been pursuing an F1 entry but was met with continued opposition.
Once he stepped aside from controlling the Andretti enterprise and new majority owner Dan Towriss and General Motors took over the project, F1 readily accepted the bid on Monday.
General Motors will use the Cadillac name when it joins the grid in 2026 and will have its own power unit in 2028, but until then, it looks as if Ferrari will help propel America’s newest F1 team.
“That’s what we’re talking about,” Mario Andretti revealed to NBC News.
“That’s not definite yet, but that’s the objective. And that’s the preference.”
Andretti added that the team isn’t speaking with any other suppliers.
Ferrari, of course, produces its own power unit and gearbox for its works outfit, in addition to supplying engines to Haas and Sauber.
With Sauber transforming into the Audi woks entry with its own power unit in 2026, Cadillac will be able to take the Swiss-based team’s place in Ferrari’s customer lineup.
Moreover, Andretti, who serves as a Director of the General Motors/Cadilac F1 project has a long-standing history with Ferrari, having raced for the Scuderia in F1 in 1971, ’72 and ’82.
“My history with Ferrari, and my relationship with Mr. Ferrari — all of it plays, plays tremendously,” Andretti said.
“There’s so many factors here that make a lot of sense. It will be best of all worlds.”
Colton Herta first name on General Motors F1 driver list
Andretti revealed that part of his role will be GM looking to “tap off of my experience and what I see — selection of driver talents and even technical talents.”
When it comes to drivers, Herta will be high up on the list of potential candidates.
The 24-year-old Californian has raced for Andretti’s IndyCar squad since 2020 and is coming off the back of his best season to date with two race victories and six podiums.
Herta came close to an F1 drive before, with AlphaTauri eyeing up his services for the 2023 season, but the American didn’t have the necessary FIA Super License points.
“[Herta’s] definitely one that’s considered,” said Andretti.
“I think you have to keep those options open, since it’s going to be a whole next season where we’re not going to be players.”
Along with Herta, 2025’s long list of out-of-work drivers, including Daniel Ricciardo, Valtteri Bottas, Kevin Magnussen and Zhou Guanyu will definitely be keeping an eye on the General Motors situation.
READ MORE – Why General Motors succeeded with its revised 2026 F1 bid
