General Motors approved as Formula 1 power unit supplier for 2029, set to power Cadillac F1
General Motors Approved as Formula 1 Power Unit Supplier for 2029
In a significant milestone for motorsport, General Motors (GM) has received official approval from Formula 1's governing body, the FIA, to become a power unit supplier starting with the 2029 season. This move will see the American automotive giant providing engines for the Cadillac F1 team, which is slated to debut on the grid next year as a customer team utilizing Ferrari engines for its first three seasons.
GM's power unit program will be managed by a newly established division, TWG GM Performance Power Units LLC, formed in collaboration with TWG Motorsports. Engine development is already underway and will ramp up at a new cutting-edge facility in Charlotte, North Carolina by 2026, supported by a $150 million investment.
"With this approval from FIA, we will continue to accelerate our efforts to bring an American-built F1 power unit to the grid," remarked Russ O'Blenes, CEO of TWG GM Performance Power Units, in a press statement.
The Road to GM's Formula 1 Entry
The project marks the culmination of an initiative that began in 2022 under Andretti Global and gained traction with GM's backing. While initially approved by the FIA in 2023, the endeavor faced hurdles before securing the blessing of Formula 1's commercial rights holder earlier this year. The operations have since transitioned to Andretti Global's parent company, TWG Motorsports, clearing the path for Cadillac to join as a full works team in 2029.
The Cadillac team's initial entry in 2026 will be underpinned by Ferrari power units, but the switch to American-built GM engines is expected to be a defining moment for the brand and Formula 1 as a whole.
FIA’s Endorsement of GM’s Entry
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem reflected on the effort and vision behind bringing General Motors to the pinnacle of motorsport. “Over two years ago, the FIA approved the entry of an eleventh team into the FIA Formula One World Championship, guided by my vision to expand the grid and bring new talent and opportunity to our sport," stated Ben Sulayem.
"Although the process was at times challenging, the progress we see today affirms the journey has been worthwhile. Welcoming GM Performance Power Units LLC as an approved power unit supplier for the Championship starting in 2029 marks another step in the global expansion of Formula 1 and highlights the growing interest from world-class automotive manufacturers like General Motors. Their dedication to innovation, sustainability, and competition is fully aligned with the FIA's vision for the future of our sport. It also strengthens our commitment to making motorsport more accessible and inclusive worldwide -- welcoming new manufacturers, advancing technology, and connecting with a broader, more diverse fan base.”
Impact on Formula 1 and American Motorsport
The arrival of GM and Cadillac represents a major breakthrough for American influence in Formula 1, a series long dominated by European automakers. As Formula 1 seeks to expand its global reach, GM's involvement underscores the increasing interest from North America’s automotive industry and reinforces F1’s aspirations to connect with diverse audiences around the world.
With substantial investment, cutting-edge innovation, and the vision of sustainability and inclusivity, GM’s move to the grid will undoubtedly shape the future competitive landscape of Formula 1. Fans eagerly await the debut of the Cadillac team, first as a customer outfit in 2026, and later as a fully-fledged works team competing with American-built engines in 2029.
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