F1 confirms agreement in principle reached with GM/Cadillac to race in 2026

Formula 1 has reached an agreement in principle that will bring General Motors to the grid as the 11th team under the Cadillac brand in 2026.

The project was approved by the FIA ​​last year, but in January F1’s commercial review resulted in the Andretti Cadillac team being rejected for 2026. At the time, F1 said it would be more open to a 2028 entry if GM was committed to producing its own car. The power unit was (as he stated it would be) and discussions have been ongoing ever since with both the automaker and its partners at TWG Global.

“They have achieved operational milestones throughout this year and have made clear their commitment to branding GM/Cadillac’s 11th team, with GM subsequently entering as engine supplier,” F1 said in a statement. he said. “Formula 1 is therefore pleased to progress this application process and will provide further updates in due course.”

Following the initial backlash in January, RACER understands that Liberty Media’s outgoing chairman and CEO, Greg Maffei, played a key role in developing GM’s plans.

“With Formula 1’s continued growth plans in the US, we have always believed that bringing an impressive US brand like GM/Cadillac onto the grid and recognizing GM as the power unit supplier of the future could bring additional value and relevance to the sport,” Maffei said.

“We commend the leadership of General Motors and its partners for making significant progress in preparing to enter Formula 1. We are excited to advance the application process for the GM/Cadillac team to enter the Championship in 2026.”

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said the project now has the full support of all the sport’s key stakeholders as it works to be implemented in just over a year.

“General Motors and Cadillac’s commitment to this project is an important and positive indicator of the evolution of our sport,” Domenicali said. We look forward to seeing the progress and growth of this initiative, confident of the full cooperation and support of all parties involved.”