In the space of just 72 hours, it has become apparent that General Motors will join F1 in 2026. According to latest reports, the GM-backed entry will be named ‘Cadillac F1’. It is also understood they will be powered by Ferrari engines.
All the elements in place for General Motors F1 Team
After spending several years trying to get onto the F1 grid (with Andretti almost buying Sauber in 2021), previously gridlocked talks have evolved dramatically behind the scenes.
General Motors have positioned themselves at the forefront of a fresh bid to join Formula 1.
The US manufacturer’s increased involvement, though still making use of Andretti’s early groundwork, has been transformative.
GM present Liberty Media with a proposition that is almost impossible to reject – the arrival of one of the world’s leading car manufacturers.
With the shuffling of key players behind the scenes (including Michael Andretti and Greg Maffei) talks have essentially restarted in recent months.
The result of this fresh start is transformative. ‘Cadillac F1’ are set to become F1’s 11th team in 2026, as reported by the Associated Press.
Only the official announcement remains
General Motors will work to produce their own power units for Cadillac F1 in 2028. Until then, Ferrari will supply the US team with their engines.
For all the failed negotiations between Andretti and Liberty Media until now, the US team has never stopped preparing to join F1.
Until now, the team have worked on the assumption that F1 would eventually approve their entry application.
Because of this, albeit under more direct involvement from General Motors, the project initially spearheaded by Andretti is well underway.
Huge investment has already gone into the required infrastructure to compete at the pinnacle of motorsport. A large workforce is already hard at work for the 2026 season.
Finally reaching an agreement with Formula 1 means there is now a clear timeline for when the grid will expand.
General Motors join Audi and Ford in the ever-expanding list of big-hitters preparing for Formula 1.
In an already competitive field, GM’s involvement brings another intriguing variable ahead of the 2026 regulations.
