Mario Andretti advocates for Ferrari power units in new GM/Cadillac Formula 1 team

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

As Formula 1 looks towards the 2026 season, an intriguing collaboration could be emerging between General Motors, entering the grid under the GM/Cadillac brand, and the iconic racing powerhouse Ferrari. According to Mario Andretti, recently appointed to the GM/Cadillac team's board of directors, the team is actively pursuing a deal with Ferrari to supply power units.

During an interview with NBC News, Andretti emphasized the strategic direction of the nascent team: "That's what we're talking about. That's not definite yet, but that's the objective. And that's the preference." He noted that GM/Cadillac had not yet approached any other suppliers, underlining the focused intent to partner with Ferrari for their initial foray into Formula 1.

Despite General Motors’ ambitions to produce their own power units, a goal set for the 2028 season, the interim will require reliance on established manufacturers. Andretti’s personal ties with Ferrari — having driven for the team in the 1970s and forming a notable relationship with Mr. Enzo Ferrari himself — could play a pivotal role in the negotiations. "My history with Ferrari, and my relationship with Mr. Ferrari — all of it plays, plays tremendously. There's so many factors here that make a lot of sense. It will be best of all worlds," Andretti stated, highlighting the synergy between his past associations and the current negotiations.

This move to integrate Ferrari engines is seen not just as a technical decision but as a blending of Andretti's rich racing legacy with contemporary F1 dynamics. This develops further intrigue around GM’s entry into the sport, particularly after a prior bid by Andretti's son, Michael Andretti, was declined by Formula 1. With Michael stepping back from Andretti Global, Mario's involvement keeps the family essence intact within the new GM setup which received formal approval only recently.

Looking towards the future structure of the GM/Cadillac team, Mario Andretti also outlined some strategic points regarding their driver lineup: "From our standpoint, I think the play at the beginning would be to have one experienced driver — nationality doesn't matter — and then a young American talent." This aligns with the sport’s growing focus on nurturing domestic talent within the U.S., a market that has historically been underrepresented in Formula 1.

As the team’s strategies unfold, the potential GM/Cadillac and Ferrari collaboration could mark a significant chapter in F1, blending American automotive prestige with Italian racing pedigree. But for now, the motorsport community watches with keen interest as these negotiations may significantly impact the composition and competitiveness of the grid in 2026.

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