The Cadillac team, a new entrant to Formula 1, has received approval from the FIA to develop and build its own power unit for the championship starting with the 2029 season.
The team, which is backed by General Motors and gained its entry approval earlier this year, is scheduled to join the Formula 1 grid in 2026. For their initial three seasons, they will utilize engines supplied by Ferrari.
General Motors` participation in the sport is in collaboration with the American entity TWG Motorsports.
From next year, Formula 1 is set to welcome an 11th team, coinciding with the introduction of new technical regulations that are anticipated to significantly alter the competitive order.
Russ O`Blenes, Chief Executive of the new F1 entry, commented on the development, stating, “With this approval from FIA, we will continue to accelerate our efforts to bring an American-built F1 power unit to the grid.”
This announcement confirms that by 2029, F1 will have a total of six engine manufacturers. General Motors will join the established suppliers: Ferrari, Mercedes, Honda, Red Bull Powertrains-Ford, and Audi.
“Over two years ago, the FIA approved the entry of an 11th team into the FIA Formula One World Championship, guided by my vision to expand the grid and bring new talent and opportunity to our sport,” said FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. “Although the process was at times challenging, the progress we see today affirms the journey has been worthwhile.”
“Welcoming GM Performance Power Units LLC as an approved power unit supplier for the Championship starting in 2029 marks another step in the global expansion of Formula 1 and highlights the growing interest from world-class automotive manufacturers like General Motors.”
“Their dedication to innovation, sustainability, and competition is fully aligned with the FIA`s vision for the future of our sport. It also strengthens our commitment to making motorsport more accessible and inclusive worldwide-welcoming new manufacturers, advancing technology, and connecting with a broader, more diverse fanbase.”
FIA Nominates New Deputy President for Sport
In related news from Wednesday, the FIA has nominated Malcom Wilson to serve as its new deputy president for sport. This follows the resignation of Robert Reid earlier in the month.
Reid, who had held the position since late 2021, cited a “standards breakdown” as his reason for leaving. His departure is one of several senior resignations within the FIA over the past 18 months.
Malcom Wilson is a former rally driver and currently serves as the managing director for the World Rally Championship team M-Sport. He has managed Ford`s rally operations since 1997.
FIA members are scheduled to vote on Wilson`s nomination in June.
“Having started my career in motor sport in the 1970s as a driver and then technical partner to teams, it is a great honour to be nominated for the role of FIA deputy president for sport,” said Wilson. “The FIA has played a central role in my career, and I very much look forward to supporting the president and all the FIA family in its important mission. There has never been a more exciting time to be in motor sport, and I know first-hand the benefits the sport brings to families and communities across the world.”
“I look forward to working with the president for the duration of his current term of office, bringing our sport to new audiences and ensuring we deliver the very best championships for all our competitors.”
Marcus Prine