GM and Cadillac Join Formula 1 as New Team
Formula 1 announced Monday that it has approved General Motors (GM) and Cadillac’s entry as a new team on the grid, marking a significant step for the sport as an iconic American car maker enters motorsport’s highest tier.
Andretti Global Drives the Application
The approval comes as part of an application initiated by Andretti Global, the racing team seeking to join the grid. The decision is expected to boost the growing U.S. market for F1 and introduces a storied American manufacturer to the series. This announcement follows the Las Vegas Grand Prix and represents a milestone after a year of intense discussions. F1 stated it reached an agreement in principle with GM to bring GM/Cadillac as the eleventh team to the grid in 2026.
Long Road to Approval
The approval follows a lengthy saga that began with Andretti Global’s initial application to join F1. While the sport’s governing body, the FIA, supported the application, the commercial side of F1, owned by Liberty Media, rejected the bid, citing concerns over whether Andretti would add enough value or competitiveness. However, GM’s promise to create both a car and power unit, making it a “works” team, broke the deadlock. F1 confirmed that it had maintained discussions with GM and its partner, TWG Global, throughout 2024, and their commitment helped to move the application forward.
GM’s Commitment to Innovation
In a statement, GM confirmed that it will build its own power unit by the end of the decade, although the exact year remains unspecified. GM President Mark Reuss emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, “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.”
Andretti’s Legacy in F1
Mario Andretti, former F1 champion and patriarch of the Andretti racing family, will serve as a director on the new team’s board. “My first love was Formula 1, and now—70 years later—the F1 paddock is still my happy place,” Andretti said in a statement. He expressed his excitement over the partnership with Cadillac and Formula 1. Andretti’s lobbying efforts, including his visit to Washington D.C., drew political attention last spring, which resulted in an investigation into potential antitrust violations by Liberty Media. The investigation may now conclude with the resolution of this deal.
Impact on the F1 Grid
The entry of GM and Cadillac will increase the number of teams on the grid for the first time since 2016. The move could be especially beneficial for young drivers, who have faced challenges breaking into F1 due to the dominance of veteran drivers and those who bring significant sponsorship funding. “From a young driver’s point of view, I think they would definitely vote to have another team,” said Red Bull driver Liam Lawson.
Veteran drivers, too, may eye the new opportunity. When asked about potentially joining Cadillac in 2026, outgoing Sauber driver Valtteri Bottas responded, “Yes. I might.”
A New Rivalry in F1
This development also sets the stage for a rivalry between two major American car manufacturers: GM and Ford. Ford has already partnered with Red Bull to develop the team’s power unit starting in 2026, creating the potential for a high-stakes competition. “Ford versus GM could be pretty sexy,” Red Bull team principal Christian Horner remarked at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
