Mario Andretti will sit on the board of directors of the GM/Cadillac team
Formula 1 announced on Monday the approval of General Motors and Cadillac's entry as a new team on the grid, marking the arrival of an iconic American automotive manufacturer at the pinnacle of motorsport.
This announcement, resulting from a bid initiated by Andretti Global, disrupts the F1 world and could enhance interest in the booming American market with the arrival of this historic manufacturer. It comes two days after the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
In a statement, Formula 1 declared to have reached a principle agreement with General Motors (GM) to support the integration of GM/Cadillac as the 11th team on the Formula 1 grid starting from 2026.
This choice puts an end to a saga of over a year , marked by tensions within F1. After Andretti Global submitted its candidacy and obtained the approval of the FIA, the commercial aspect, controlled by Liberty Media, rejected it, doubting Andretti’s ability to bring added value to the sport and to be competitive. However, GM’s commitment to becoming a factory team, designing both a chassis and an engine, unlocked the situation.
« We have maintained a dialogue with General Motors and its partners from TWG Global, who now control Andretti Global, regarding the feasibility of this entry after the commercial assessment and the decision of F1 in January 2024, the statement said. « Over the year, they have reached operational milestones and confirmed their commitment to developing the GM/Cadillac team, with GM set to become an engine supplier at a later date. Formula 1 is therefore pleased to continue this process and will provide updates in due course, »
General Motors confirmed that it plans to build its own engine by the end of the decade, without specifying an exact date.
A strategic turning point for GM and Cadillac
« Joining Formula 1 is an honor for General Motors and Cadillac,” said Mark Reuss, President of GM. “We are committed to competing with passion and integrity, and to elevating this sport for fans around the world. This represents a global platform to showcase our engineering expertise and technological leadership at a whole new level.”
Mario Andretti, former Formula 1 world champion, will sit on the team’s board of directors. “My first passion has always been Formula 1, and 70 years later, the paddock remains my favorite place,” he said. “Being able to still participate at this stage of my life is incredible. I have to pinch myself to believe it.”
The story had taken a political turn after Andretti went to Washington D.C., invited by legislators, to discuss the obstacles encountered. This had led to an investigation by the Department of Justice into possible antitrust law violations by Liberty Media. However, this investigation could be closed with the arrival of GM/Cadillac.
If Andretti and GM have reached an agreement to enter F1, federal authorities could consider closing the case, says Daniel Francis, professor at NYU and antitrust law expert.
It will therefore be General Motors and Cadillac who will be responsible for the team’s performance, under the watchful eye of Mario Andretti.
