Those of you keeping a close eye on Formula 1 will have known about the longstanding fight to bring an 11th team to the grid – a fight that has now come to pass. General Motors has announced it has reached an agreement with the sport’s rights holder Liberty Media, finally granting it an entry into the highest echelon of motorsports starting in 2026.
It’s been a long time coming – the car-making giant first threw its support behind Andretti Autosport’s (now Andretti Global) bid to join the grid back in January last year. The outfit – run by America’s pre-eminent racing family – received approval from F1’s governing body, the FIA, in October 2023; however, it was met by a comprehensive rejection from Liberty four months later.
Despite this, the team has not given up on its bid, even going so far as to set up a dedicated facility in Silverstone, England. But the development that likely tipped the scales in its favour came last month when CEO Michael Andretti stepped down, replaced by co-owner Dan Towriss.
Andretti Global’s place as GM’s partner has been replaced by TWG Global, a new holding company headed by Towriss that now owns and operates Andretti Global as well as Wayne Taylor Racing and Spire Motorsports. It’s clear that the move was meant to distance the team – which will carry the Cadillac brand – from the Andretti name, despite Michael’s father Mario still serving as a director on the board.
Evidently, the deal hinged on GM fielding a works entry instead of simply being Andretti’s partner – a commitment strengthened by the company’s pledge to build its own power units by the end of the decade. The Race reports that the Cadillac F1 Team will likely utilise Ferrari engines for the time being.
The team’s planned debut for the 2026 season will coincide with a far-reaching rules change that will mandate smaller and lighter cars, active aerodynamics and simpler turbo hybrid power units that ditch the MGU-H electrified turbocharger and increase the amount of electric assistance.
“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,” said GM president Mark Reuss. “This is a global stage for us to demonstrate GM’s engineering expertise and technology leadership at an entirely new level.”
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 FIA and Formula One Management’s (FOM) support of our application and their recognition of the value we can bring to the championship.”
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
