GM confirms Cadillac F1 project unaffected by auto tariffs
Cadillac's Formula 1 Ambitions Unaffected Despite GM’s Financial Pressures
Despite facing reduced profit forecasts and the prospect of a $5 billion hit from automotive tariffs, General Motors President Mark Reuss assured reporters on Saturday that Cadillac's Formula 1 ambitions remain firmly on track for their debut next season. Speaking at the Miami Grand Prix, Reuss emphasized that GM’s commitment to bring the 11th team to the grid remains unaffected.
GM's Financial Challenges Won’t Halt Cadillac's F1 Entry
General Motors has faced financial pressure recently, adjusting its 2025 profit forecast due to uncertainty stemming from wide-reaching tariffs introduced by former President Donald Trump. However, Reuss dispelled concerns that the setbacks could jeopardize Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1.
“There’s about $5 billion of impact for us,” Reuss said, referring to the tariffs. “But it’s not going to affect this project.”
Reuss declined to reveal the specifics of Cadillac's F1 investment but highlighted that the groundwork is well underway. The team currently has 350 members on board and plans to expand to a 1,000-strong workforce in the future.
Cadillac’s Roadmap: From Ferrari Engines to Proprietary Power Units
Cadillac, a GM subsidiary, aims to begin competing with its own proprietary power units starting in 2029. Until then, the team will rely on Ferrari engines as it focuses on establishing itself in the highly competitive racing series.
While rumors have swirled this week about potential driver signings—including speculation linking Mexico’s former Red Bull driver Sergio Perez to the team—Team Chief Executive Dan Towriss set the record straight, stating that no drivers have been signed yet.
No Driver Hurry as Team Prioritizes Long-Term Success
“The biggest thing is we’re not in a hurry to select a driver,” Towriss explained. “There’s a lot that goes into selecting your pilot for Formula 1. And so we’re taking our time.”
Towriss also reiterated the team’s commitment to fielding an American driver at some point, though he stressed that such a move would only happen when the timing and conditions are right.
“It’s not a gimmick to just grab somebody and drop them in the seat because it’s important to us that they’re successful,” he said. “We’ll find the right way and the right time to bring the right driver into Formula 1.”
Looking Forward to Cadillac’s Formula 1 Debut
As Cadillac prepares for its debut season in 2026, anticipation and speculation continue to build around the newest entrant to Formula 1. With its long-term vision, commitment to homegrown talent, and plans for innovation in power unit technology, the team’s arrival is poised to shake up the grid and add fresh competition to the sport’s landscape.
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