GM/Cadillac is closer to joining Formula 1 as the 11th team on the grid in 2026. On Monday, it was announced that an agreement in principle has been reached between F1, GM, and its partners, TWG Global.
Following a commercial evaluation and a decision made in January, GM/Cadillac has demonstrated its commitment throughout the year, including plans to enter as a power unit manufacturer at a later stage. As a result, F1 decided to proceed with their application process.
Over the past months, there has been significant speculation regarding the addition of a new team, with resistance from the existing teams and F1 itself—despite initial approval from the FIA. The project initially involved Andretti and has now evolved into a factory initiative led by General Motors under its Cadillac brand.
Greg Maffei, President and CEO of Liberty Media, said on the F1 official website: ‘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’.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem also commented: ‘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’.
Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali shared similar enthusiasm: ‘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, highlighted what F1 represents for the company: ‘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’.
