General Motors to Enter Formula 1 with Cadillac Brand in 2026

In a groundbreaking development for Formula 1, General Motors (GM) has announced plans to join the grid in 2026 under its luxury Cadillac brand. The US auto giant, in partnership with TWG Global, has reached an agreement in principle to establish a new team and eventually develop its own engine for the sport.

The announcement marks a significant step for Formula 1 as it continues to expand its footprint in the United States. Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei highlighted the importance of this move, stating:

“With Formula 1’s continued growth plans in the US, we have always believed that welcoming an impressive US brand like GM/Cadillac to the grid and GM as a future power unit supplier could bring additional value and interest to the sport.”

Path to the Grid

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem echoed Maffei’s enthusiasm, describing GM as a “global powerhouse” in the automotive world. He confirmed that the FIA and GM would collaborate to ensure the smooth progression of the team’s entry into the FIA Formula One World Championship.

The Cadillac team will enter Formula 1 as an 11th competitor, paying a substantial $450 million anti-dilution fee to compensate existing teams for their share of revenue dilution. This fee surpasses the $200 million stipulated in the current rules, reflecting the increasing value of F1 franchises as new contracts are negotiated for 2026.

Initially, Cadillac will field a customer engine from another supplier, with Ferrari currently emerging as the frontrunner. The team’s proprietary engine is expected to debut no earlier than 2028.

From Andretti to Cadillac

This entry represents a significant evolution from GM’s earlier collaboration with Andretti Global, whose initial bid was rejected earlier this year. F1 at the time expressed doubts about the project’s ability to bring value to the sport. However, this revised approach sees GM taking the lead as a team owner, lending the project a fresh perspective.

The team will be co-owned by TWG Global and key investors including Dan Towriss of Andretti Global. Michael Andretti, a former F1 driver and a central figure in the initial bid, is no longer involved, having stepped down in September. His father, Mario Andretti, the 1978 F1 world champion, will serve as an advisor to the team in a non-operational role.

A Changing Power Landscape

Cadillac’s entry will make it the sixth car manufacturer building engines for Formula 1, joining Mercedes, Ferrari, Ford, Honda, and Audi. The sport’s new 2026 engine regulations—focusing on hybrid technology and sustainability—have proven a strong lure for automakers.

Ford is developing an engine with Red Bull, while Audi is preparing to power Sauber, which will rebrand as Audi’s works team. Honda, initially planning to exit the sport, reversed its decision due to the road-relevance of the new rules and will exclusively supply Aston Martin from 2026.

Meanwhile, Renault’s Alpine brand will discontinue its engine-building program and shift to Mercedes power units.

A Growing US Presence

The entry of Cadillac underscores Formula 1’s booming popularity in the US, driven by events like the Las Vegas Grand Prix and the success of the Netflix series Drive to Survive. McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown welcomed the announcement, saying:

“Exciting times ahead with the news of Cadillac joining the Formula 1 grid as the 11th team in 2026. Their rich history and experience in automotive innovation and performance will no doubt add a new dimension to our incredible sport.”

With GM’s Cadillac team on the horizon, the stage is set for a new chapter in Formula 1, blending the sport’s global appeal with American innovation and ambition.

Source: GM