The American company General Motors has been given the green light by Formula 1 to appear as the eleventh team on the grid in 2026. This was announced on Monday evening. Formula 1 has reached a principle agreement with the American automotive giant. The premier class will support the team in the run-up to a Formula 1 debut.
It was previously reported that a key condition for General Motors’ participation was that the American automotive giant would supply its own engines from 2028. Formula 1 now confirms that General Motors will also join the premier class as an engine supplier at a later point. Formula 1 now wants to take the next step to get the American racing team on the grid from 2026. Who will be the engine supplier for the American team until 2028 is not yet known.
‘General Motors is a global brand’
“The involvement of General Motors and Cadillac in this project is an important and positive testament to the evolution of our sport,” says Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali in an official press release. “We look forward to the progress and growth of this application. We are certain of the full cooperation and support of all parties involved.”
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem is also pleased with the news. “General Motors is a huge global brand and a powerhouse in the supplier world, working with impressive partners. I fully support the efforts of the FIA, Formula 1, General Motors, and the team to maintain dialogue and work towards this result of a principle agreement to bring this application for a GM/Cadillac team to the grid of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship in 2026.”
Andretti
The last time there were eleven teams on the track in Formula 1 was in 2016. Then the also American Haas was allowed to participate in the premier class. A year later, with the departure of Manor, there were again ten teams on the grid. An earlier attempt by Andretti to enter Formula 1 fell through, leading to an investigation by the US Department of Justice.
