Formula 1 is preparing to welcome a new protagonist: General Motors and its brand Cadillac will officially enter the Circus starting from 2026. After months of negotiations, the official announcement marks a historic moment for the sport, which will see the arrival of an American giant on the grid. It will not only be an ambitious technical project, but also a tribute to the bond between America and Formula 1, thanks to the direct involvement of a motorsport legend: Mario Andretti, who will be part of the team's board as a director.
An American project with iconic roots
The GM/Cadillac project is based on the operational infrastructure of Andretti Global, based in Silverstone, and will be led by the involvement of Mario Andretti, a legendary figure who wrote some of the most memorable pages of Formula 1 and world motorsport. Andretti, who won the Formula 1 world title in 1978, commented emotionally on his return to the paddock:
“My first passion was Formula 1 and, 70 years later, the paddock is still my happy place. I am absolutely thrilled by Cadillac, Formula 1, Mark Walter and Dan Towriss. To still be involved at this point in my life… I have to pinch myself to make sure it’s not a dream.”
Andretti's presence not only strengthens the GM/Cadillac project, but adds a historical and cultural link between American motorsports and the world of Formula 1.
General Motors' Ambition
Mark Reuss, president of General Motors, underlined the group's commitment: “Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsports. It is an honor for General Motors and Cadillac to be a part of it. We are ready to compete with passion and integrity, demonstrating our engineering and technological know-how to the world.”
For the 2026 and 2027 seasons, the team will debut as a customer, using engines from suppliers already present in the Circus, while from 2028 GM plans to develop its own engine, thus completing the transition to an independent manufacturer. Ferrari and Honda seem the favorites to provide the initial engines, with the possibility of technological support from Renault to accelerate the development of the Cadillac power unit.
A strategic opportunity for Formula 1
With three races already in the United States and a growing fan base, GM's entry represents a key piece in Formula 1's expansion strategy. Greg Maffei, CEO of Liberty Media, underlined the importance of the agreement: “Welcoming an iconic brand like Cadillac and General Motors adds value to our sport. This project will strengthen the bond with the American public and will offer an additional opportunity for growth for everyone.”
Andretti Global's Crucial Role
Despite the initial disagreements between Andretti Global and Formula 1, culminating in an initial refusal, the acquisition of the majority of the team by Dan Towriss has refocused the project. Andretti Global will continue to manage the technical and logistical operations, ensuring continuity and readiness. Over the past year, the team has already made significant progress, hiring experienced staff and developing an aerodynamic model for 2026.
A promising future
Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1, commented: “The involvement of General Motors and Cadillac is a clear sign of the evolution of our sport. We look forward to seeing the progress of this project, which will bring further competitiveness and innovation.”
With the arrival of the GM/Cadillac project, Formula 1 will be enriched by a new reality that promises to bring American energy and passion to the grid. The goal is ambitious: to compete at the highest level, relying not only on a solid base, but also on a vision that combines tradition and innovation.
