General Motors (GM) is taking a monumental step into Formula 1, unveiling its newly formed GM Performance Power Units LLC, a company dedicated to developing the cutting-edge power units for the Cadillac F1 team. This move positions GM to become a fully independent works team by the end of the decade, underscoring its commitment to excellence on the global motorsport stage.
Russ O’Blenes Takes the Helm
Heading this ambitious initiative is Russ O’Blenes, a seasoned expert in motorsports propulsion systems, who has been named the CEO of GM Performance Power Units. O’Blenes brings years of experience leading GM’s motorsports propulsion and performance team and spearheading advancements in championship-winning engines in IMSA and Corvette Racing.
“I am truly excited to have the opportunity to build and lead the team that will bring an American-built F1 power unit to the grid,” O’Blenes said. “This is a historic moment for GM, and we are ramping up our efforts to recruit the best talent across all areas to achieve our goals.”
A Bold Vision: From Customer Team to Full Works Operation
While GM will initially field the Cadillac F1 team using Ferrari power units for the 2026 season, the company is investing heavily in its future. A state-of-the-art power unit facility is under construction in Charlotte, North Carolina, with plans to be operational by 2026. The goal: to have GM’s homegrown power units ready for racing as soon as possible, ultimately achieving full works team status by 2030.
The project is being developed in partnership with TWG Motorsports, the racing division of TWG Global, which is heavily involved in GM’s F1 efforts. Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports, expressed confidence in O’Blenes’ leadership: “Russ’ expertise will be instrumental as we lay the foundation for Cadillac’s Formula 1 journey. Together with team principal Graeme Lowdon, they will set new standards of performance and innovation.”
An American Legacy in the Making
GM’s entry into F1 is part of a larger strategy to showcase its engineering prowess on a global scale. Mark Reuss, GM president, highlighted O’Blenes’ contributions to the company’s motorsports legacy, including the development of hybrid engines for IMSA’s Cadillac and Corvette programs.
“Russ brings vast experience from many championship racing series and a proven track record of delivering winning technology,” Reuss said. “In F1, we’ll showcase GM’s engineering and technological excellence, and Russ is the perfect choice to lead this transformative effort.”
Cadillac’s Competitive Edge
Development of GM’s bespoke F1 power unit has already begun, with early testing underway. The project aims to integrate F1 technology into GM’s broader engineering programs, accelerating innovation across the company. The hybrid power units will be designed to meet the 2026 F1 regulations, featuring greater electrification and sustainable fuels, aligning with the sport’s future vision.
What’s Next?
The hiring process for GM Performance Power Units is in full swing, as the company seeks top talent to join this historic venture. With Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1, American motorsport is set to gain a significant foothold in the pinnacle of racing, adding a new dimension to the competition.
As GM prepares for its debut, all eyes will be on the Cadillac F1 team to see how this ambitious project unfolds. For O’Blenes and his team, the challenge is clear: deliver a power unit that can compete with the best in the world and establish GM as a force to be reckoned with in Formula 1.
