General Motors (GM) has reached an agreement in principle with Formula 1 to enter the sport in 2026 under its Cadillac brand. This landmark deal will see GM become the 11th team on the F1 grid, marking a significant expansion of American involvement in the pinnacle of motorsport.
Entry Details:
- GM/Cadillac team to join F1 grid in 2026
- Initially as a customer team, with plans to develop in-house power units by 2028
Partnership Structure:
- Collaboration between GM and TWG Global
- Mario Andretti to serve as a director on the team's board
F1's Perspective:
- Viewed as adding value and interest to the sport
- Aligns with F1's expansion plans in the United States
GM's Commitment:
- Plans to demonstrate engineering expertise at a global level
- Aims to elevate the sport for fans worldwide
Regulatory Aspects:
- FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem expressed full support
- Application process to progress towards formal agreement
Historical Context:
- First major U.S. carmaker to directly participate in F1 since the 1950s
- Builds on growing American presence in F1, alongside existing Haas F1 Team
The entry of General Motors and Cadillac into Formula 1 represents a significant shift in the sport's landscape, potentially reshaping the competitive dynamics and further boosting F1's popularity in the United States. As the application process moves forward, the motorsport world eagerly anticipates the impact of this iconic American brand on the global stage of Formula 1.
