General Motors (GM) has announced its intention to enter Formula 1 racing in 2026 under its Cadillac luxury brand, marking a significant step in the company’s motorsport ambitions. This move is part of a strategic partnership with racing legend Mario Andretti and will help GM tap into the global popularity of Formula 1, especially as the sport continues to grow in the U.S.
Initially, GM’s involvement is expected to focus on brand exposure, given the competitive nature of F1, where even experienced teams often struggle to reach the podium or contend for championships. However, GM’s announcement indicates it has bigger goals than just visibility. By 2030, GM plans to become a “full works” team, meaning it will build its own Formula 1 cars and power units, rather than relying on external suppliers like Ferrari, which will provide engines in the interim.
To spearhead this ambitious project, GM has appointed Russ O’Blenes, a seasoned figure in motorsports, especially known for his work on successful hybrid engines for Cadillac and Corvette in other racing series. O’Blenes will lead GM’s Power Unit team, tasked with developing the technology that will power their F1 cars. GM has emphasized that its F1 entry is about showcasing its engineering prowess and technological capabilities on the world stage, with President Mark Reuss noting O’Blenes’ extensive experience as key to the project’s success.
While GM has yet to provide a detailed timeline for its F1 goals, the company has made it clear that it intends to be competitive over the long term. Graeme Lowdon, a former Marussia F1 team principal, will lead the team, and GM has acknowledged that achieving competitiveness in F1 is a multi-year process. While it may take decades to rival the dominant teams like Red Bull, McLaren, and Mercedes, GM’s entry into the sport is a significant and carefully planned step toward achieving long-term success in Formula 1.
