The 2026 Formula 1 grid is set to expand following the organization’s agreement on Monday with General Motors (GM), which supports GM and Cadillac’s entrance to the open-wheel series.
GM will become F-1’s 11th team on the grid after the series “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 January 2024.”
F-1 declared that GM had reached crucial milestones in its bid for a team, “and made clear their commitment to brand the 11th team GM/Cadillac, and that GM will enter as an engine supplier at a later time.”
“With Formula 1’s continued growth plans in the U.S., we have always believed that welcoming an impressive U.S. brand like GM/Cadillac to the grid and GM as a future power unit supplier could bring additional value and interest to the sport,” Greg Maffei, President and CEO of Liberty Media said.
“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.”
Mark Reuss, president of GM, also released a statement following the news.
“As the pinnacle of motorsports, F-1 demands boundary-pushing innovation and excellence,” Reuss said. “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.”
In January, GM and Andretti Global were denied an entry on the grid next season due to Formula One Management stating the team would not “be a competitive participant.”
They were initially approved by the FIA last October (2023) to field a team.
Andretti Global opened a U.K.-based facility near Silverstone Circuit in April to strengthen its efforts with Michael Andretti spearheading the program.
However, Andretti stepped down from his role with the team in September. Dan Towriss of Group 1001 and Gainbridge took his place as the head of the team’s three-car NTT IndyCar Series program and Road to Indy efforts.
Towriss is now the CEO of TWG Global, the other half of GM’s bid for a team.
“We’re excited to partner with General Motors in bringing a dynamic presence to Formula 1,” Towriss said. “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 FIA and FOM’s support of our application and their recognition of the value we can bring to the championship.’’
Mario Andretti, the last American F-1 champion and Michael Andretti’s father, will serve as a director on the team’s board.
“My first love was Formula 1 and now — 70 years later — the F-1 paddock is still my happy place. I’m absolutely thrilled with Cadillac, Formula 1, Mark Walter and Dan Towriss,” said Andretti. “To still be involved at this stage of my life — I have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.”
Following the announcement Michael Andretti posted on social media as he applauded GM.
The Cadillac F1 Team is made up of a strong group of people that have worked tirelessly to build an American works team. I’m very proud of the hard work they have put in and congratulate all involved on this momentous next step. I will be cheering for you!
— Michael Andretti (@michaelandretti) November 25, 2024
“The Cadillac F-1 Team is made up of a strong group of people that have worked tirelessly to build an American works team. I’m very proud of the hard work they have put in and congratulate all involved on this momentous next step. I will be cheering for you!”