General Motors (GM) has officially announced its plans to enter the world of Formula 1 with its Cadillac brand in 2026. This landmark agreement, made public on November 25, 2024, will see Cadillac become the 11th team in the F1 grid, marking the first new team to join since U.S.-owned Haas debuted eight years ago.
As part of its ambitious plan, GM also registered with the FIA to be a power unit manufacturer, solidifying its intent to compete as a full works team by the end of the decade. This makes GM the sixth engine supplier to F1, joining an elite group that includes Audi, Ferrari, Honda, Mercedes, and Red Bull/Ford.
Mario Andretti, the iconic American racer and the last U.S. world champion in 1978, will have a prominent role within the team as a director on the board. "My first love was Formula One and now, 70 years later, the F1 paddock is still my happy place," Andretti said in a statement from Cadillac. "To still be involved at this stage of my life; I have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming."
The announcement comes after GM's executives were present at the Las Vegas Grand Prix last weekend, sealing a deal that faced rejection earlier in the year. Last January, Formula One expressed doubts about the competitiveness and value of the previous Andretti proposal, although it left the possibility open for an entry in 2028 when GM could supply engines.
"With Formula One’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," stated Greg Maffei, the outgoing CEO of Liberty Media, which owns Formula One. "We credit the leadership of General Motors and their partners with significant progress in their readiness to enter Formula One. We are excited to move forward with the application process for the GM/Cadillac team to enter the Championship in 2026."
Supporting this development, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem expressed optimism regarding the future collaboration among all involved parties. "All parties, including the FIA, will continue to work together to ensure the process progresses smoothly," said Ben Sulayem.
The backstory behind this deal also includes increased scrutiny from various sectors, including an investigation by the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee regarding possible anticompetitive conduct. This investigation, according to sources, shifted the discussions and ultimately facilitated the new agreement.
Mario Andretti’s original bid was positioned under Andretti Global, which was led by his son Michael, a former F1 racer himself. However, Michael has since stepped back from daily operations. Control has transitioned to Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Global, the company that owns and operates Andretti Global.
As part of securing their entry into the F1 championship, GM and TWG are expected to pay an anti-dilution fee, which recent reports indicate may be $450 million, divided among the 10 existing teams. This is a significant increase from the previous entry fee of $200 million, reflecting the rising value of F1 as a global sports entity.
The addition of GM and Cadillac to the grid is a thrilling prospect for motorsport fans, especially in the United States, where F1's popularity has surged in recent years. As preparations continue, the stage is set for a renewed era of competition that could reshape the dynamics of racing and engineering in Formula 1,
Looking ahead, the entry of GM into the world of Formula 1 paves the way for greater American representation in the sport, which has been a longstanding goal for both F1 and its stakeholders. With the 2026 season appearing on the horizon, fans and analysts alike await further developments on how Cadillac will impact this high-octane racing landscape.