Cadillac has officially confirmed its entry into Formula 1 as a power unit manufacturer, with plans to supply hybrid drivetrains to the newly established Andretti Cadillac F1 team from the 2028 season onward. General Motors President Mark Reuss expressed excitement about the collaboration, highlighting GM’s engineering and racing expertise. He affirmed their commitment to developing a successful power unit, positioning Andretti Cadillac as a formidable works team dedicated to competing at the highest levels with passion and integrity.
The announcement follows the recent approval of Andretti’s Expression of Interest application by the FIA for entry into the Formula 1 championship. Despite this milestone, the team still needs to engage in commercial discussions with the series’ management. According to the Concorde Agreement, Andretti Cadillac is also expected to pay a substantial “anti-dilution” fee, amounting to at least $200 million. This fee is intended to compensate existing teams for the redistribution of future prize money among a larger pool of competitors.
General Motors has already initiated the development and testing of prototype technology for the Cadillac-badged Formula 1 power units. Drawing on their racing experience, GM is no stranger to motorsports, having previously developed the 5.5-liter V-8 that propelled Cadillac’s IMSA GTP race car to victory in the championship and a podium finish at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans.
As Andretti gears up for its Formula 1 debut in 2026, one lingering question is where the team will source engines until the Cadillac units are ready. While Andretti had a provisional deal with Renault, that agreement lapsed in October, leaving the team in search of interim solutions.
GM’s formal registration with the FIA as a Formula 1 power unit manufacturer signals its commitment to advancing automotive technology. The company aims to leverage the F1 venture to enhance its expertise in areas such as electrification, hybrid technology, sustainable fuels, high-efficiency internal combustion engines, and advanced control systems. Racing has historically served as a crucial testbed for GM and Cadillac, allowing them to transfer knowledge and technology from the track to production vehicles. The success of Cadillac Racing’s 5.5L DOHC V-8 powertrain in the 2023 IMSA and WEC seasons, including a podium finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, underscores the brand’s longstanding legacy of racing achievements. As Cadillac’s V-Series performance portfolio celebrates its 20th anniversary, it continues to seamlessly incorporate lessons learned on the race track into its road-going vehicles.
