General Motors Is Set to Join Formula One and Become the 11th Team on the Grid
Formula One and American Giants General Motors-Cadillac Agree to Join the F1 Grid in 2026
The Start of a New Era
In a groundbreaking move, Formula 1 is set to expand its prestigious grid to include an 11th team for the first time in years. F1 has reached a preliminary agreement with General Motors (GM) to bring its Cadillac brand into the championship starting in 2026.
F1 x Cadillac 🚨
General Motors is set to join the grid in 2026 as the 11th team with #Cadillac! 🇺🇸🏎️
A new American era is coming to #F1 pic.twitter.com/d5vz7kW2d8
— LockerRoom RAW (@LockerRoom_RAW) November 26, 2024
This pivotal decision follows a tumultuous year characterized by extensive debates, multiple rejections, and significant shifts in leadership within the sport. As F1 embraces this historic addition, the implications for the championship could be far-reaching, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape.
From Rejection to Opportunity
The path to today’s announcement was marked by controversy. In January, F1 news revealed that they rejected an application from Andretti Global, backed by General Motors’ Cadillac, to enter the grid. The rejection was grounded in concerns that the proposal failed to showcase substantial value for the championship.
For Michael Andretti, head of the Andretti team, this decision was a definitive end to his ambitions, and he left the project. However, F1 rumors mention that his exit was the catalyst for a series of strategic maneuvers that ultimately culminated in today’s agreement.
Mario Andretti will still have a role in General Motors’ entry into Formula 1 👀 pic.twitter.com/2dcxktPgEz
— Motorsport.com (@Motorsport) November 25, 2024
Dan Towriss, the newly appointed CEO of TWG Global (which assumed control of Andretti’s motorsport operations), implemented a bold new strategy. Recognizing the imperative for greater integration of GM into the project, Towriss realigned their focus to addressing F1’s initial concerns about value and long-term commitment.
While the team plans to use engines from existing manufacturers for its first two seasons (2026 and 2027), GM has committed to producing its own power units by the 2028 F1 schedule. This mirrors the approach taken by Audi, another automotive giant set to join the grid in 2026.
The updated proposition quickly gained momentum, and in just a few months, F1 and GM struck an agreement in principle to bring Cadillac onto the grid as the 11th team. This partnership guarantees a team-branded under Cadillac and a change in betting odds as the grid will be more competitive.
A Boost for Formula 1 and US Motorsports
This deal arrives at a time when Formula 1’s presence in the United States is booming. The championship now hosts three F1 races in the U.S. each season, with growing fan engagement fueled by Netflix’s Drive to Survive series and marquee events like the Miami and Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Enjoy Max Verstappen’s in-lap IN FULL as he brings it home as a four-time world champion in Las Vegas 💙#F1 #LasVegasGP pic.twitter.com/ZdtKt6bzTo
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 25, 2024
For GM, entering Formula 1 is more than just a racing opportunity—it’s a global stage to showcase engineering innovation and elevate the Cadillac brand. President of GM, Mark Reuss, emphasized this moment’s significance, stating, “It’s an honor for General Motors and Cadillac to join the world’s premier racing series. We are committed to competing with passion and integrity, enhancing the sport for fans worldwide.“
The FIA and F1 leadership have also expressed optimism. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, a longtime advocate for expanding the grid, praised GM’s involvement as a landmark step. “General Motors is a huge global brand and a powerhouse in the automotive world,” he said. F1 President Stefano Domenicali echoed this sentiment, highlighting GM’s commitment as a sign of the sport’s evolution and its potential for continued growth.
