Cadillac reports to Formula 1: this is what the future grid looks like!
- Ludo van Denderen
Formula 1 has always been the Valhalla of motorsport and has gained huge popularity in recent years. Tens of millions of viewers follow the races of Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso. At the same time, Formula 1 is increasingly becoming a battle between the major car manufacturers. With General Motors as OEM, the next major manufacturer joins in.
What do we know about 2028?
There are still four seasons to go before General Motors - with its Cadillac brand - wants to enter Formula 1 with a self-developed power unit. Before that happens, two competitors will first make their appearance on the grid in 2026. Ford is certainly the biggest of these. That American brand is General Motors' big rival and commits itself to Red Bull Racing. Ford will not develop its own power unit, it will hitch a ride with the Red Bull Powertrains.
Audi will also be seen in Formula 1 from 2026. The Germans will take over the Sauber team and make that their factory team. Rumours that Audi still wants to forgo an entry have been emphatically denied recently. Finally, Honda will be back in Formula 1 from 2026. Admittedly, the Japanese currently supply engines to Red Bull Racing and AlphaTauri, but their name is Honda-RBPT. From 2026 onwards, the Japanese will work with Aston Martin.
Of course, Mercedes, Ferrari and Alpine also remain with factory teams. Only McLaren, Haas and Williams will then basically be 'customer teams'. If Andretti gains entry into Formula 1, it too will first buy power units elsewhere, But from 2028 - it was announced this Tuesday - it will continue as the factory team of Cadillac/General Motors.