F1 confirms its agreement in principal for 11th entry on its grid from the 2026 season as General Motors’ will field its own team under the Cadillac guise.
The reports of F1 having an 11th team gained momentum during last weekend’s Las Vegas GP after multiple reports – led by AP News – noted about General Motors entering from 2026 season after securing approval from the FIA and also Formula One Management.
After FOM turned down the proposed Andretti-Cadillac team until General Motors started its power unit programme from 2028, it is a u-turn by the heads due to suspected background changes. In the meantime, Andretti hasn’t let go of securing a grid spot from 2026, involving courts and politicians in the process.
Andretti’s bid was put down as FOM didn’t feel that the name brought much to F1 despite its history. Instead, they felt General Motors – being a big manufacturer – brings larger value. Since the rejection, Andretti has seen changes in its own company.
Michael has moved out of operational running, with Dan Towriss taking his spot. He is part of the General Motors and the F1 deal via TWG Global. He is mentioned in the statement where they have agreed in principal to allow General Motors/Cadillac entry from 2026.
The 11th team is most likely to feature from 2026 whether or not F1 teams like the move. They have been in opposition considering a new team will dilute the prize money even further. They are to run under the ‘Cadillac Formula 1 Team’ name.
For starters they will be a customer team, but they will become full works team by the end of the decade. Additionally, Mario Andretti will serve as a director on the teams’ board. The team has noted about several hiring made at their bases in Fishers, Indiana; Charlotte, North Carolina; Warren, Michigan; and Silverstone, England.
For now, reports has linked the General Motors/Cadillac with Ferrari as its power unit supplier to start their journey. Interestingly, Frederic Vasseur did not deny the move when asked about the same after the Las Vegas GP ended. “First, lets wait to have an 11th team on the grid before we discuss engine,” he said to media.
“Formula 1 announced today that it has reached an agreement in principle with General Motors (GM) to support bringing GM/Cadillac as the eleventh team to the Formula 1 grid in 2026,” a statement said. “Formula 1 has maintained a dialogue with General Motors, and its partners at TWG Global, regarding the viability of an entry following the commercial assessment and decision made by Formula 1 in January2024.
“Over the course of this year, they have achieved operational milestones and made clear their commitment to brand the eleventh team GM/Cadillac, and that GM will enter as an engine supplier at a later time. Formula 1 is therefore pleased to move forward with this application process and will provide further updates in due course.”
What the F1 fraternity said –
Greg Maffei: “With Formula 1’s continued growth plans in the US, we have always believed that welcoming an impressive US brand like GM/Cadillac to the grid and GM as a future power unit supplier could bring additional value and interest to the sport. We credit the leadership of General Motors and their partners with significant progress in their readiness to enter Formula 1. We are excited to move forward with the application process for the GM/Cadillac team to enter the Championship in 2026.”
Stefano Domenicali: “General Motors and Cadillac’s commitment to this project is an important and positive demonstration of the evolution of our sport. We look forward to seeing the progress and growth of this entry, certain of the full collaboration and support of all the parties involved.”
Mohammed Ben Sulayem: “General Motors is a huge global brand and powerhouse in the OEM world and is working with impressive partners. I am fully supportive of the efforts made by the FIA, Formula 1, GM and the team to maintain dialogue and work towards this outcome of an agreement in principle to progress this application to bring a GM/Cadillac branded team on the grid for the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship. All parties, including the FIA, will continue to work together to ensure the process progresses smoothly.”
Mark Reuss: “As the pinnacle of motorsports, F1 demands boundary-pushing innovation and excellence. It’s an honor for General Motors and Cadillac to join the world’s premier racing series, and we’re committed to competing with passion and integrity to elevate the sport for race fans around the world. This is a global stage for us to demonstrate GM’s engineering expertise and technology leadership at an entirely new level.”
Dan Towriss: “We’re excited to partner with General Motors in bringing a dynamic presence to Formula 1. Together, we’re assembling a world-class team that will embody American innovation and deliver unforgettable moments to race fans around the world. We appreciate the FIA and FOM’s support of our application and their recognition of the value we can bring to the championship.’’
Mario Andretti: “My first love was Formula 1 and now – 70 years later – the F1 paddock is still my happy place. I’m absolutely thrilled with Cadillac, Formula 1, Mark Walter, and Dan Towriss. To still be involved at this stage of my life — I have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.”
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