Today (november 25th) General Motors and Formula 1 have reached an agreement in principal and GM partnering with Cadillac is set to join as the 11th team in Formula 1 for the 2026 season.
Summary
- How did we get here?
- Statements
- Formula 1’s continued expand into the American market
How Did We Get Here?
Last year Andretti partnered with General Motors were selected out of 4 teams to have a chance to join Formula 1 as an 11th team after passing the FIA’s stress test. Andretti’s advances were quickly rejected. This left General Motors to pursue this chance on their own
After the rejection, in septembre, Michael Andretti stepped down as CEO of Andretti Global. He will depart from his role at the end of 2024
GM is still involved with Andretti but the project turned from an Andretti project into a project lead by GM as they also plan on developing their own power unit. Andretti will be responsible for the branding of the Formula 1 team
Cadillac has announced the 1978 Formula 1 World Champion Mario Andretti will take on the role of director of the Formula 1 team
Statements (Leaders of: FIA, Formula 1, GM)
Muhammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA
“General Motors is a huge global brand and powerhouse in the OEM world and is working with impressive partners. 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.”
Stefano Domenicalli, President and CEO of Formula 1
“General Motors and Cadillac’s commitment to this project is an important and positive demonstration of the evolution of our sport. “
“We look forward to seeing the progress and growth of this application, certain of the full collaboration and support of all the parties involved.”
Mark Reuss, President of General Motors:
“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.”
Formula 1’s continued expand into the American market
Eversince Formula 1 was acquired by Liberty Media ,the intent to open towards the American market has been clear. Expanding the race calendar with Las Vegas was a clear strategic choice to attract American sponsors and partners. Greg Maffei (President and CEO of Liberty Media) said this about General Motors joining F1:
“With Formula 1’s continued growth plans in the US, we have always believed that welcoming an impressive US brand like GM/Cadillac to the grid and GM as a future power unit supplier could bring additional value and interest to the sport.“
“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.”