Formula 1 fans have something exciting to look forward to in 2026 as General Motors has officially been given the green light to join the prestigious racing series as the 11th team on the grid. This new team will operate under the Cadillac banner, marking a significant entry for an American automaker into the world of Formula 1.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this new team is GM’s plan to develop its own power units by the end of the decade. While they will start off as a customer team in 2026, the promise of in-house power units showcases GM’s long-term commitment to becoming a “full works” team in the future. This commitment played a key role in Formula 1’s decision to allow GM to enter the sport.
The team will be leveraging the resources of Andretti Global, utilizing their facilities in the United States and Silverstone, England. Mario Andretti, a legendary figure in the world of racing and the last American to win the Formula 1 championship, will be serving on the team’s board. This partnership with Andretti Global adds even more excitement and anticipation for fans eagerly awaiting the new team’s debut.
The journey to GM’s entry into Formula 1 has not been without its challenges. The initial application from Andretti Global, backed by Cadillac, was accepted by the FIA but denied by the sport itself. Rumors circulated about tensions between Michael Andretti and F1 executives, leading to the rejection of the initial bid. However, with the Andretti branding removed from the GM bid and a new partnership with TWG Global established, the entry was finally approved.
TWG Global, which also owns and operates Andretti Global, Wayne Taylor Racing, and Spire Motorsports, will play a crucial role in supporting the new team. By leveraging the existing resources and expertise of these entities, GM’s entry into Formula 1 is set to be a formidable one.
For Jack Fitzgerald, whose passion for cars was ignited by Formula 1, this announcement represents a significant milestone. His journey from a college detailer to a career in auto writing has led him to this moment, where he can witness the entry of General Motors into the world of Formula 1. As he strives to keep his 2010 Volkswagen Golf running for as long as possible, the excitement and anticipation surrounding GM’s new team in Formula 1 only add to his love for the sport and the automotive world as a whole.
