General Motors intends to make its entrance into Formula One with the Cadillac marque in 2026, following a Monday announcement of a preliminary agreement with the sport owned by Liberty Media. Celebrating a historic step to become the eleventh team on the starting grid, the automaker announced its registration with the FIA as a power unit manufacturer, aiming to achieve full works status by the end of the decade. This will mark the first new team introduction since the U.S.-based Haas in 2016, with GM joining Audi, Ferrari, Honda, Mercedes, and Red Bull/Ford as the sixth engine producer.
GM is set to collaborate with TWG Global, with Mario Andretti—the last American world champion in 1978—joining as a director on the team’s board. “My first love was Formula One and now, 70 years later, the F1 paddock is still my happy place,” remarked Andretti in a statement from Cadillac.
At this point in my life, being part of this feels surreal; I often find myself questioning if it’s all a dream. Executives from General Motors attended the Las Vegas Grand Prix last weekend to finalise a venture that Formula One had previously turned down in January, despite receiving the go-ahead from the FIA.
“With Formula One’s expansion plans in the U.S., we have consistently held the view that introducing a prominent U.S. brand like GM/Cadillac to the grid, along with GM as a future power unit supplier, could enhance the sport’s appeal and value,” commented Greg Maffei, the outgoing CEO of Liberty Media.
“We acknowledge the leadership at General Motors and their collaborators for making considerable strides towards entering Formula One. We are thrilled to advance with the application process for the GM/Cadillac team to join the Championship in 2026.”
FIA SUPPORT
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, an early supporter of Andretti’s proposal, has been actively working behind the scenes to facilitate the deal. He has expressed his complete endorsement of the recent progress. “All parties, including the FIA, will continue to collaborate to ensure the process advances smoothly,” he stated.
A U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee investigation into potential ‘anticompetitive conduct’ shifted perspectives and altered discussions, according to sources. In January, Formula One expressed doubts about the competitiveness and value addition of the original Andretti bid but left open the possibility for 2028 when General Motors, a partner, might supply an engine.
This bid was introduced as an Andretti Cadillac entry, with Andretti Global being managed by Michael, Mario’s son—known for his previous F1 racing career and as the 1991 CART champion. He was perceived by some as a more assertive figure. Michael Andretti has since stepped back from his daily operational duties, transferring responsibilities to Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Global, which owns and runs Andretti Global.
The BBC has reported, citing senior sources, that GM and TWG are set to pay an anti-dilution fee of $450 million, which will be divided among the 10 existing teams, to secure their entry. Currently, the fee stands at $200 million, but new regulations will come into effect from 2026. GM is also required to procure an engine for the years 2026 and 2027, with Ferrari being a prime contender due to its available supply once Sauber transitions to Audi. “This provides us with a global platform to showcase GM’s engineering prowess and technological leadership at a completely new level,” stated GM president Mark Reuss.
Cadillac has already put together a team focused on aerodynamics, chassis and component development, software, and vehicle dynamics simulation. Additionally, Andretti has established a base at Silverstone in England, employing several staff members, including former F1 chief technical officer Pat Symonds as the executive engineering consultant.
