In a seismic shift for Formula 1, General Motors (GM) is on the verge of securing a coveted spot on the F1 grid for 2026, marking a dramatic evolution from its earlier partnership with Andretti Global.
Key Developments:
- GM is now leading the F1 entry bid independently
- Entry approval could be announced by end of November 2024
- Plans include becoming a full power unit provider by 2028
- Development facility already operational in Silverstone
The landscape of Formula 1 is undergoing a transformative change as America’s automotive powerhouse GM moves closer to joining the elite racing series. This development comes after F1’s earlier rejection of the Andretti-GM joint venture, which had operated under the Cadillac brand name.
“If a team can add to the championship, particularly if GM decides to come in as a team owner, that is a different story,” says Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, highlighting the shifting attitudes within F1’s establishment toward the American manufacturer’s entry.
The path to this milestone moment began shifting significantly after Michael Andretti stepped down from his CEO position at Andretti Global last month. This leadership change has apparently cleared the way for GM to take center stage in the F1 project, with the company now positioned to enter as a works team rather than just a brand partner.
Sources close to the situation indicate that GM hasn’t been sitting idle. The company has been quietly advancing its F1 ambitions through a state-of-the-art facility in Silverstone, where development of their 2026 car is already underway. This proactive approach demonstrates GM’s serious commitment to the sport and their readiness to compete at the highest level.
While questions remain about the power unit supply for the first two years of operation (2026-2027), the project’s long-term vision is clear. GM aims to become a full power unit manufacturer by 2028, joining the ranks of Mercedes, Ferrari, and other prestigious manufacturers in producing their own F1 engines.
The timing of this development is particularly significant for Formula 1’s global expansion strategy. With three races now held in the United States, the addition of an American manufacturer as a works team could dramatically boost F1’s presence in one of its key growth markets.
Industry experts suggest this new arrangement could benefit all parties involved. For F1, it brings a prestigious American manufacturer fully into the fold. For GM, it provides a global platform to showcase their technical prowess and innovation. And for fans, it promises to add another layer of competition to what is already considered the pinnacle of motorsport.
The potential entry has already received crucial backing from the FIA, which previously assessed and approved the team’s technical capabilities. This administrative groundwork, combined with GM’s industrial might and F1’s apparent willingness to welcome the manufacturer, suggests that the remaining hurdles are more procedural than substantial.
While the ghost of the previous Andretti-GM partnership still lingers, this new direction appears to address many of F1’s earlier concerns about competitive readiness and commercial value. The transformation from a customer team proposal to a full works entry aligns more closely with F1’s vision for new entrants.
As the F1 community awaits official confirmation, one thing is clear: The potential entry of GM as a works team represents more than just another competitor on the grid—it signals a new chapter in F1’s ongoing evolution and its strengthening ties with the American automotive industry.
The racing world now watches with anticipation as the final pieces of this historic entry fall into place, with an announcement expected in the coming weeks that could reshape the future of Formula 1.