F1 News
Cadillac create new power unit company with leader appointed
- Estéban den Toom
As is widely known, Cadillac Racing will make its Formula 1 debut in 2026. This will bring the total number of teams on the grid to 11, with 22 drivers competing. In preparation for this, TWG Motorsports and General Motors have announced the formation of Performance Power Units LLC, a new company designed to help Cadillac make significant strides toward establishing a full factory team.
Cadillac will develop both cars and power units. Russ O'Blenes has been appointed CEO of the new company. The experienced leader has some 30 years of expertise in technical development and engineering. Recruitment is going well, O'Blenes said in a press release, “I am truly excited to have the opportunity to build and lead the team that will bring an American-built F1 power unit to the grid.” No date is mentioned in the message, however.
Praise for O'Blenes
Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports, welcomes O'Blenes: "We’re delighted to welcome Russ to this pivotal role. "His expertise and leadership will be instrumental as we lay the foundation for Cadillac’s Formula 1 journey. Together with Team Principal Graeme Lowdon, they will lead the team in setting new standards of performance and innovation in the sport.”
Mark Reuss, president of General Motors, also expressed his enthusiasm: "“Russ brings vast experience from many championship racing series and has outstanding technical expertise, including spearheading our hybrid IMSA Cadillac and Corvette C8.R engines that are proven winners. In F1, we’re going to demonstrate GM’s engineering and technology capabilities on a global stage, and Russ is the right choice to lead the Power Unit team that will make it happen.”
This article was written in collaboration with Toby Nixon