GM signs up to join Formula 1 as an engine manufacturer from 2028

Through its Cadillac sub-brand, GM is already eyeing a presence in Formula 1 in the short term by partnering with Andretti Bid to form an 11th team.

Andretti has received approval from the FIA ​​to enter but is now awaiting a decision from the FIA, which faces stiff resistance from the current ten teams who fear losing a significant portion of their commercial income and any destabilizing effect a new entry might have.

Andretti and GM bosses are expected to attend the inaugural Grand Prix in Las Vegas this weekend to lobby FOM for approval, with the new team targeting arrival as early as 2025.

While that would require Andretti to agree to an engine supply deal, most likely with Alpine, in the future, GM could build its own powertrain in Formula 1 after it was officially registered as a supplier for the 2028 season.

“We are thrilled to have our new Andretti Cadillac F1 entry powered by a GM power unit,” said GM President Mark Reuss.

“With our deep engineering and racing experience, we are confident that we will develop a successful power unit for this series, positioning Andretti Cadillac as a true works team.

“We will compete with the best, at the highest levels, with a passion and integrity that will help raise the standard of the sport for racing fans around the world.”

GM has revealed that development and testing of “prototype technology” has already begun as it envisions using Formula 1 to advance its understanding of electrification, hybridization, sustainable fuels, highly efficient internal combustion engines and software.

If Andretti fails to get the green light from FOM, GM will likely back away from its interest in Formula 1.

After Williams team boss James Vowles stressed how welcome GM would be on its own given the value it could bring to the championship as a major road car manufacturer, Reuss stressed that Cadillac’s participation was conditional on Andretti.

“General Motors is committed to partnering with Andretti to race in Formula 1,” he said. “The collaboration between Andretti and Cadillac brings together two unique entities built for racing, both with long pedigrees of success in motorsport globally.”