Why did F1 suddenly agree to GM’s F1 project?

For a long time, the messages were mixed.

Formula 1 turned down an offer from the Andretti Global project to join the 2026 grid in January, a decision that came as no surprise to many inside or outside the paddock.

Stefano Domenicali and his friends clearly stated that they thought 10 teams was the right number for the sport at this stage, but that there were attractive elements in the application. General Motors’ involvement has certainly caught the attention of both F1 and other teams; Williams team principal James Vowles almost went so far as to say that the team should not have been allowed in but that he enjoyed the GM partnership.

However, it was the level of this involvement and the uncertainty regarding future plans that played a role in the withdrawal of the Andretti Global tender at that time. F1 has made it clear that the door is not closed and that 2028 could be an option because at that stage GM was proposing to produce its own power unit.

The original recording involved Andretti wanting to use Renault power unit supply in a partnership that could well be long-term if GM decides not to invest in its own F1 engine department. The idea of ​​re-labelling such an engine as Cadillac was not well received, even if F1 was unaware that Renault’s future involvement might be in doubt.

Given Ford’s recent arrival in partnership with Red Bull, some skepticism about how serious GM’s involvement might be was somewhat understandable. Christian Horner’s team welcomed Ford’s support but was very clear about where they could seek help and is determined to do most of the power unit work itself.

It would be unfair to call this a mere sponsorship deal, but this is certainly not a Ford power unit in development and does not represent a commitment that you can guarantee will be fulfilled five years from now.

The idea of ​​GM building its own power unit was appealing, but what stopped it from saying it planned to do so to help get entry approved and then explore long-term customer opportunities? This would result in Andretti Global having a prize asset in terms of the value of the 11th team and a much lower investment if there was also a power unit project.

None of this means they intend to make such a move, but these are scenarios in which F1 has to consider whether to expand the grid. Because F1 is a big business and while the existing teams were thinking with selfish business hats and did not want to divide the revenues into 11 out of 10, Andretti Global’s offer was the same as the other teams that applied to the FIA. It was based on being financially sustainable and profitable.

It’s the same for GM’s entry, of course, but it also has greater value for the sport itself.

A significant difference is having the world’s largest automaker join a factory team, rather than supporting the participation of an independent racing team.

As brutal as it is, the Andretti name, iconic in North America and among global racing fans, does not have the same level of recognition around the world as General Motors or Cadillac.

What is likely to be a Ferrari power unit deal (although Honda has backed away from compulsory supply rules) will not be a renaming, which F1 also sees as important.

But in reality little has changed. Even though Michael Andretti, CEO of Andretti Global, is gone, the people behind the project are the same. Sources insist there was never anything personal against Michael and that there was no suggestion he should not be involved in the bidding, but one of the financiers, Dan Towriss, said TWG Global, which now includes Wayne Taylor Racing and Spire Motorsports It oversees all motorsport activities of . .

This is a decision made by Towriss, GM, and you imagine Mark Walter, who brings great sports ownership experience and even greater financing.

But the technical setup is the same as approved by the FIA, with the same facilities and staff available.

The Ministry of Justice’s investigation into potential anti-competitive practices has clearly focused on the minds within F1, but it must be said that if he really doesn’t want an 11th team he can wait to see what the outcome is. Instead, he pushed for the ideal setup and approved an extra power unit manufacturer coming to the grid following Renault’s departure.

There is another aspect that does not change. And that’s actually the fact that there is still no entry for the Cadillac team…

Approval needs to come from the FIA ​​and you would expect this to be a formality. However, while the new team is kept waiting, information such as Pirelli tire data and open source materials are not shared because they are not yet participants.

At this point, the already strong bid now has even greater global clout, but the same team is waiting to be given the final green light to begin operating as a viable F1 participant.

Barring something extremely dramatic, this week’s announcement signaled the point of no return for F1, even if it had to sort out anti-dilution fees and certain logistics. However, this was not final confirmation and it remains a situation where there is a sense of uncertainty.

While there has been a clear step forward in this regard and GM/Cadillac has arrived in F1, some messages remain mixed.