Cadillac F1 has been allowed to join the grid from the 2026 season onwards. The American team had struggled to join F1 until a deal was finalised after the Las Vegas GP.
Cadillac’s issue was that they had no engine supplier. General Motors won’t be able to develop the engine until 2028, so they had to outsource. The team, led by TWG Global, has struck a deal with Ferrari to power the cars.
Ferrari to power Cadillac F1
Ferrari has reached a “multi-year agreement” to power Cadillac F1 from the 2026 season. Once the entry is fully confirmed by the FIA, Maranello will provide power units and gearboxes. Once Sauber is powered by Audi in 2026, Haas will remain the other customer team.
Ferrari has confirmed it has reached a “multi-year agreement” to supply the future Cadillac F1 team with power units and gearboxes from 2026, once the entry is officially accepted by the FIA #F1
— Chris Medland (@ChrisMedlandF1) December 10, 2024
A statement from Ferrari said: “Ferrari N.V. today announces a multi-year agreement starting from 2026 with Andretti Formula Racing LLC, regarding the supply of power unit and gearbox to the racing team led by TWG Global and General Motors, subject to Andretti Formula Racing LLC receiving written confirmation from the FIA – F1 that its entry to the 2026 FIA Formula One Championship has been accepted and approved.”
Ferrari is believed to be confident about its 2026 engine. According to reports, it has made several steps in the development. Early indications are positive for the 2026 rule change. This stands in good stead for their customer teams including Cadillac F1. For example in the 2014 rule change, the Mercedes engine was the best, powering Williams to have a good season.
General Motors to make their engines in future
Ferrari’s deal is only interim. From the 2028 season, General Motors will power the Cadillac F1. This will mean six manufacturers competing within eleven teams, a mouthwatering prospect.
The 2026 season will have new regulations around the engine. The overhaul is to make the cars more environmentally friendly. There will be brand-new engine designs, along with changes to focus more on battery power and sustainable fuel. This has come at a cost for General Motors.
General Motors’ engine won’t be ready for the 2026 season due to a lack of time. Most teams have been preparing for the rule changes for a lot longer than General Motors and it’s not practical for them to rush through an engine development.
