11th F1 team is almost a reality: Agreement in principle with GM/Cadillac
Breaking News
- Corwin Kunst
Formula 1 has reached an agreement in principle with General Motors/Cadillac. They will form the 11th team on the grid from 2026.
In October 2023, the FIA approved an application from Andretti Global to participate in Formula 1 from 2026. However, FOM (Formula One Management) stopped this, which meant that for a long time, the top motorsport class would continue to consist of only ten teams.
After Andretti withdrew and the project was transferred to General Motors and Cadillac, FOM reevaluated and decided to proceed with an 11th team. A statement explains that GM/Cadillac has "achieved operational milestones." General Motors will also join as an engine supplier at a later date.
All parties involved are happy
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem is looking forward to the additional team on the grid. “General Motors is a huge global brand and a major force in the automotive industry. They work with impressive partners. I fully support the efforts of the FIA, Formula 1, GM and the team to maintain the dialogue and work towards this outcome of an agreement in principle.”
Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1, is also delighted with the upcoming entry of the American formation. "The involvement of General Motors and Cadillac in this project is important and positive proof of the evolution of our sport. We look forward to the progress of the process and are assured of the full cooperation and support of all parties involved".
Liberty Media's CEO is also pleased. "With Formula 1's continued growth plans in the US, we have always believed that welcoming an impressive American brand like GM/Cadillac to the grid - and GM as a future supplier of power units - could bring additional value and interest to the sport. We thank the leadership of General Motors and their partners for the significant progress they have made in their preparations to enter Formula 1", said Greg Maffei.
President of General Motors, Mark Reuss: "As the pinnacle of motorsports, F1 demands groundbreaking innovation and excellence. It is an honour for General Motors and Cadillac to join the world's premier racing series, and we are committed to competing with passion and integrity to improve the sport for racing fans around the world. This is a global stage for us to demonstrate GM's engineering expertise and technology leadership on a whole new level".
This article was translated by Savannah Lenz.