Ferrari has officially announced a multi-year partnership with Andretti Formula Racing LLC to supply power units and gearboxes starting in 2026. This collaboration marks a significant step forward for both Ferrari and Andretti, as they prepare for the American team's entry into the highly competitive world of Formula 1.
On Tuesday, Ferrari confirmed the agreement with a statement, indicating its commitment to the new team. "We have reached a multi-year agreement starting from 2026 with Andretti Formula Racing LLC, regarding the supply of power unit[s] and gearbox[es] to the racing team led by TWG Global and General Motors," the statement read. This partnership is contingent upon Andretti receiving approval from the FIA for its entry into the championship.
Current Formula 1 regulations allow for a limited number of teams, and Andretti's application was greenlit by the FIA last year after overcoming initial opposition from Formula One Management (FOM). The company shifted its stance following Andretti's collaboration with General Motors, which includes the Cadillac brand. This backing has provided a necessary boost to Andretti's aspirations in the sport.
Michael Andretti, who leads the new endeavor, previously announced he would step back from his management role as part of the transition to mainstream operations. The partnership sees legendary racer Mario Andretti, who won the championship in 1978, involved as a consultant in the project, further fortifying the heritage and passion behind the initiative.
FOM's evolving position on the proposed entry is significant, particularly since they previously expressed reservations. Now, with GM's support, they seem more receptive. "Cadillac has confirmed its involvement and is committed to bringing an 11th team to the F1 grid," the FOM statement noted, acknowledging GM and Cadillac's pivotal role in the partnership.
Ferrari serves as a critical supplier for power units within Formula 1, currently supporting teams like Haas and Sauber. However, the latter will transition to the Audi camp after the upcoming season. This change leaves an opportunity for Ferrari to build a more robust relationship with an ambitious American outfit poised to make its mark in the sport.
While specifics around the timeline and terms of the partnership remain under wraps, Cadillac has been developing its own power unit with a potential debut as early as 2028. "We are excited about the future and the impact Cadillac will make in Formula 1," said a spokesperson from Cadillac.
The freshly secured partnership was reiterated in a follow-up release from Ferrari, which referred to the new power unit customer as 'Cadillac F1 Team,' a sign of branding alignment that reflects their cooperative efforts.
With the 2026 season on the horizon, both Ferrari and Andretti are expected to work closely to ensure the new team can integrate seamlessly into the F1 landscape. Graeme Lowdon has been appointed as team principal to guide these efforts, with further developments anticipated as both teams gear up for a competitive entry.
As the sport continues to evolve, the anticipated arrival of Cadillac’s F1 team adds an exciting new chapter. Fans and stakeholders are eager to see how this partnership develops and the performance it can yield in a rapidly changing Formula 1 environment.