In a groundbreaking decision that will shake the very foundations of Formula 1, the FIA has given the green light to General Motors to become a power unit supplier for the 2029 season. This approval comes as Cadillac gears up to join the F1 grid as a full-fledged works team in 2026.
Under the leadership of TWG Motorsports and General Motors, Cadillac will kick off its F1 venture using Ferrari powertrains. However, the ultimate goal for General Motors has always been to develop its own power unit. To fulfill this ambition, GM Performance Power Units LLC. was established, with plans already in motion to set up a dedicated production facility in Charlotte by 2026.
The FIA’s confirmation of GM Performance Power Units LLC. as an official PU supplier from 2029 marks a significant milestone in the American manufacturer’s journey into the pinnacle of motorsport. President Mohammed Ben Sulayem expressed his satisfaction with the expansion of the F1 grid, emphasizing the importance of bringing new talent and opportunities to the sport.
The approval from the FIA was met with enthusiasm by Russ O’Blenes, CEO of GM Performance Power Units LLC., who affirmed the commitment to introduce an American-built F1 power unit to the grid. This development not only signifies General Motors’ dedication to innovation, sustainability, and competition but also aligns with the FIA’s vision for the future of Formula 1.
The move to welcome General Motors as an F1 power unit supplier has been lauded as a bold step towards global expansion and a testament to the growing interest from renowned automotive manufacturers in the sport. The FIA’s decision underscores a shift towards making motorsport more accessible and inclusive on a worldwide scale, with a focus on attracting new manufacturers, advancing technology, and engaging with a diverse fan base.
As the countdown to 2029 begins, all eyes are on General Motors as they ramp up efforts to make their mark on the F1 grid with an American-made power unit. This decision not only signifies a new chapter in the history of Formula 1 but also sets the stage for a thrilling era of competition and innovation in the world of motorsport.
