F1: Cadillac Announces New Company to Develop Formula 1 Engines

Cadillac and TW Ghave announced plans to develop their own Formula 1 engines in the US. General Motors and F1 have reached a preliminary agreement for Cadillac to join the grid as the 11th team in 2026. TWG, the majority owner of the team initially founded by Andretti, will enter F1 under Cadillac's brand. Cadillac's entry follows GM's commitment to creating its own engine project, although the team will use a Ferrari engine in the short term. GM Performance Power Units LLC will help Cadillac become a full works team by the end of the decade. Russ O'Blenes has been named CEO of the venture, and GM has confirmed that engine development and testing are already underway. Plans are in place for a dedicated Performance Power Units facility near GM's Charlotte Technical Center, set to open in 2026.

CEO of TWG Motorsports Dan Towriss said: “We're delighted to welcome Russ to this pivotal role. His expertise and leadership will be instrumental as we lay the foundation for Cadillac's Formula 1 journey. Together with Team Principal Graeme Lowdon, they will lead the team in setting new standards of performance and innovation in the sport.'

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Russ O'Blenes, Director of the GM Motorsports Propulsion and Performance Team said: 'I am truly excited to have the opportunity to build and lead the team that will bring an American-built F1 power unit to the grid. GM PPU is currently ramping up its team and is hiring in all areas of the business.'

GM President Mark Reuss said: 'Russ brings vast experience from many championship racing series, and has outstanding technical expertise, including spearheading our hybrid IMSA Cadillac and Corvette C8.R engines that are proven winners. In F1, we're going to demonstrate GM's engineering and technology capabilities on a global stage, and Russ is the right choice to lead the Power Unit team that will make it happen.'

F1: Ferrari Power Unit

Until GM's own F1 engine is ready, Ferrari will supply power units to the new Cadillac team. This marks a significant change for TWG, which previously had a partnership with Renault. However, recent developments in F1, including Renault's decision to stop supplying power units, led the team to rethink its strategy.

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The Ferrari supply deal is expected to end before the 2028 F1 season, the team's third year in the championship. However, recent statements suggest this partnership could extend beyond this period, potentially securing a long-term collaboration between Cadillac and Ferrari.