General Motors unveils plans to build it’s own F1 engine

General Motors (GM) has officially registered as a power-unit supplier for Formula 1 starting from the 2028 season. This development is part of the ongoing effort by the Andretti team to secure entry into Formula 1, using the Cadillac Brand, which is one of GM’s sub brands. 

GM has already commenced preparations for its Formula 1 engine, aligning with the sport’s new regulations set to be introduced in 2026. These regulations emphasise hybrid engines with a higher proportion of power output sourced from electricity, coupled with the use of synthetic, sustainable fuels. 

The decision by GM to enter Formula 1 is seen as an opportunity to advance the company’s expertise in various domains, including electrification, hybrid technology, sustainable fuels, high-efficiency internal combustion engines, and advanced controls and software systems. This was made known in a statement by Mark Reuss, the president of GM. 

Andretti’s Formula 1 entry, which received approval from the FIA last month, is still pending the green light from Liberty Media, the commercial rights holder. Originally, Andretti intended to badge a Renault engine with the Cadillac brand for their entry in 2025. However, recent developments reveal that Andretti no longer holds a contract with Renault. Nevertheless, Formula 1 regulations dictate that a team without an engine supply must be provided one by an existing power-unit manufacturer.

The latest announcement that GM plans to develop its own engine for Formula 1, set to be utilised within a few years of their potential entry, further forces F1’s hand to accept the Andretti-GM collaboration. While existing teams have expressed opposition to Andretti’s entry, the sport’s governing documents allow for up to 12 teams, subject to a $200 million anti-dilution fee. This fee is intended to compensate existing teams for the reduction in prize money due to fund distribution among additional teams.

Despite initial resistance, recent indications suggest that Formula 1 might eventually accept Andretti’s entry. The combination of the Andretti legacy, deeply rooted in American motorsport, and the prominence of the Cadillac brand could contribute to elevating Formula 1’s profile within the important American market, which is of commercial importance to the sport. 

GM’s decision to develop an engine independently reinforces Andretti’s ambition to establish itself as a formidable participant, aligning with the high standards of the sport. Hopefully, in the coming weeks, we should receive an update on their approval status. 

Leon Osamor