Formula 1 has reached an agreement in principle that will bring General Motors onto the grid under the Cadillac brand as the 11th team in 2026.
The project was given approval by the FIA last year but in January the commercial assessment from F1 resulted in an Andretti Cadillac team rejected for 2026. At the time, F1 said it would be more open to a 2028 entry if GM committed to producing its own power unit – as it had indicated it would – and discussions have continued since then with both the car manufacturer as well as its partners at TWG Global.
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“Over the course of this year, they have achieved operational milestones and made clear their commitment to brand the 11th team GM/Cadillac, and that GM will enter as an engine supplier at a later time,” F1 said in a statement. “Formula 1 is therefore pleased to move forward with this application process and will provide further updates in due course.”
Following the initial response in January, RACER understands that outgoing Liberty Media president and CEO Greg Maffei has played a significant role in evolving GM’s plans.
“With Formula 1’s continued growth plans in the U.S., we have always believed that welcoming an impressive U.S. brand like GM/Cadillac to the grid and GM as a future power unit supplier could bring additional value and interest to the sport,” Maffei said.
“We credit the leadership of General Motors and their partners with significant progress in their readiness to enter Formula 1. We are excited to move forward with the application process for the GM/Cadillac team to enter the Championship in 2026.”
GM President Mark Reuss said: “As the pinnacle of motorsports, 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. This is a global stage for us to demonstrate GM’s engineering expertise and technology leadership at an entirely new level.”
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said the project now has the full support of all of the sport’s key stakeholders as it works towards entering in just over a year’s time.
“General Motors and Cadillac’s commitment to this project is an important and positive demonstration of the evolution of our sport,” Domenicali said. “We look forward to seeing the progress and growth of this entry, certain of the full collaboration and support of all the parties involved.”
Domenicali’s support was echoed by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
“General Motors is a huge global brand and powerhouse in the OEM world and is working with impressive partners,” he said. “I am fully supportive of the efforts made by the FIA, Formula 1, GM and the team to maintain dialogue and work towards this outcome of an agreement in principle to progress this application to bring a GM/Cadillac branded team on the grid for the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship.
“All parties, including the FIA, will continue to work together to ensure the process progresses smoothly.”
Mario Andretti will serve as a director on the team’s board.
“My first love was Formula 1 and now – 70 years later – the F1 paddock is still my happy place,” said the 1978 world champion.
“I’m absolutely thrilled with Cadillac, Formula 1, Mark Walter, and Dan Towriss. To still be involved at this stage of my life — I have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.”
The announcement also confirms TWG Global’s position as the parent company that owns and operates Andretti Global, Wayne Taylor Racing and Spire Motorsports in addition to the Cadillac F1 program.
“We’re excited to partner with General Motors in bringing a dynamic presence to Formula 1,” said Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Global’s motorsports businesses. “Together, we’re assembling a world-class team that will embody American innovation and deliver unforgettable moments to race fans around the world. We appreciate FIA and FOM’s support of our application and their recognition of the value we can bring to the championship.’’
This story has been updated to include additional quotes and details.