Cadillac reveals new details of F1 project – What comes after the Ferrari deal? Cadillac reveals new details of its ambitious F1 project – Cadillac’s long-awaited entry into Formula One is beginning to take shape with a clear roadmap for its factory team. Set to debut in 2026, the American automotive giant will initially rely on Ferrari power units, but has ambitious plans to develop and manufacture its own engines under the GM Performance Power Units division.
This marks a bold step towards becoming a fully-fledged factory team at the pinnacle of motorsport. The Cadillac Formula One team will be supported by a partnership between TWG Motorsports and General Motors (GM). TWG Motorsports, which also owns Andretti Global, Spire Motorsports and Wayne Taylor Racing, is the driving force behind the venture. According to the team’s press release, Cadillac aims to establish itself as a factory team “by the end of the decade”.
Cadillac’s Factory Team Vision
Leading this ambitious project will be Russ O’Blenes, who has been appointed General Manager of GM Performance Power Units. O’Blenes has a decorated history with GM, having held key positions in the company’s motorsport division, where he oversaw successful Cadillac sports car programmes and Corvette racing initiatives.
Underlining the importance of O’Blenes’ expertise, TWG Managing Director Dan Towriss said:
“His expertise and leadership will be the foundation for Cadillac’s adventure in Formula One. Together with Team Principal Graeme Lowdon, he will lead the team and set new standards for performance and innovation in the sport.”
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The Ferrari Partnership
Cadillac’s first seasons in Formula One will be powered by Ferrari engines, with the deal currently set to run until the end of the 2028 season. The partnership will allow Cadillac to establish its presence in the sport while it develops its in-house capabilities.
The team has not ruled out the possibility of extending its partnership with Ferrari beyond 2028 if its engine programme is not yet ready. The official statement reads: “The Cadillac Formula One team will rely on Ferrari engines until GM engines are ready for racing.”
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GM’s commitment to Formula 1
Mark Reuss, President of GM, expressed confidence in O’Blenes’ ability to lead the company’s Formula One efforts. Noting O’Blenes’ track record with Cadillac hybrid engines in IMSA and the Corvette C8.R programme, Reuss said: “In Formula 1, we will showcase what GM has to offer in terms of engineering and technology – on a global platform. Russ is the right choice to lead the engine department and execute the goals.”
At the heart of this effort will be a new state-of-the-art engine facility near GM’s technical centre in Charlotte, North Carolina. Scheduled for completion in 2026, the facility will house the team responsible for designing and building GM Performance Power Units.
O’Blenes expressed his excitement for the challenge ahead, saying: “I’m excited about the opportunity to build and lead a team that will bring American Formula One engines to the forefront. We are in the process of building the team and hiring experts in all areas.”
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A slow but steady path to independence
Cadillac’s timetable reflects a cautious but determined approach to achieving self-sufficiency in Formula One. While the first three seasons will rely on Ferrari’s expertise, the long-term vision is clear: to develop and field its own engines by the end of the decade.
Industry insiders speculate that the delay in the introduction of Cadillac’s own engine could be due to the technical complexity of F1 power units and the stringent requirements set by the FIA.
By taking a phased approach, Cadillac is ensuring that it can meet the high standards of the competition, while benefiting from the expertise of an established manufacturer such as Ferrari.
What this means for American F1 aspirations
Cadillac’s entry into Formula One represents a significant step forward for the presence of American manufacturers in the sport.
While Haas has been the only American team on the grid since its debut in 2016, its reliance on Dallara chassis and Ferrari engines has drawn criticism for not fully embodying the spirit of an American factory team.
Cadillac, backed by the engineering and financial muscle of GM, aims to change that narrative. By building its own engines and establishing a dedicated facility in the United States, the brand is poised to become a true factory team, showcasing American innovation on a global stage.
Challenges ahead
The road to becoming a competitive force in Formula One is full of challenges. Developing a Formula One engine is a monumental task that requires cutting-edge technology, significant investment and a team of highly skilled engineers.
In addition, Cadillac must navigate the complexities of Formula One’s cost cap regulations, which limit the amount teams can spend on various aspects of their operations.
This includes power unit research and development, which is capped separately from the main team budget.
Another potential hurdle is the competitive nature of the grid. Entering Formula One as a newcomer and challenging established teams such as Red Bull, Mercedes and Ferrari requires not only technical excellence but also strategic acumen.
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The Road Ahead
As Cadillac prepares for its 2026 debut, the focus remains on building a solid foundation for long-term success. The Ferrari partnership is a critical bridge to competitiveness, while the development of its own power units is a bold step towards establishing Cadillac as a true powerhouse in Formula One.
By the end of the 2020s, Cadillac hopes to not only compete, but challenge for victories and championships. With the combined expertise of GM and TWG Motorsports, the team is well positioned to make its mark on the sport and raise the profile of American engineering in Formula One.
Cadillac’s Formula One project is a bold statement of intent from one of America’s most iconic automotive brands. The journey from a Ferrari-powered debutant to a fully-fledged factory team with its own power units will be fascinating to watch.
If successful, it could usher in a new era of American dominance in the sport and cement Cadillac’s place in the annals of F1 history.
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Former Formula 1 driver takes on new role as Cadillac makes first driver decision – As Cadillac prepares for its long-awaited entry into Formula One in 2026, the American motorsport team is making strategic moves to lay the groundwork for a competitive debut. Cadillac is tasked with building a team capable of competing at the pinnacle of motorsport. Cadillac’s preparations for its much-anticipated entry into Formula One are officially underway, marking a significant step for the American automaker as it enters the world’s most prestigious motorsport.
In partnership with Andretti Global, the team is meticulously building its foundation, from selecting key personnel to developing the advanced tools needed to compete at the highest level. With a debut scheduled for the 2026 season, Cadillac has begun assembling a roster of talent and technology, including the selection of experienced professionals to support its ambitious project.
This careful planning underlines Cadillac’s commitment to establishing itself as a serious contender on the Formula One grid…READ MORE ON THIS STORY
With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
