Andretti’s F1 entry bid is expected to receive a significant boost after General Motors announced on Tuesday that it has registered with the FIA to become an engine supplier starting 2028.
Michael Andretti’s attempt to join the international motorsports series is expected to receive a significant boost after General Motors announced on Tuesday that it has registered with the body that oversees Formula 1 to become an engine supplier beginning 2028.
Although F1 has not yet given its approval, the American automaker has teamed up with Andretti Global in their attempt to enter the sport as the 11th team on the grid.
With multiple teams putting up strong resistance, the most recent development is expected to be interpreted as a sign of commitment from both brands as they attempt to overcome the last obstacle.
“We are thrilled that our new Andretti Cadillac F1 entry will be powered by a GM power unit,” GM President Mark Reuss said in a statement. “With our deep engineering and racing expertise, we’re confident we’ll develop a successful power unit and position Andretti Cadillac as a true works team.
“We will run with the very best, at the highest levels, with passion and integrity that will help elevate the sport for race fans around the world.”
The news was released in advance of this weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix, which three top GM executives will be attending to support Andretti Global’s F1 entry bid.
GM’s involvement in the sport of Formula 1 is contingent solely upon Andretti, but they have already started developing and testing “prototype technology.”
“GM is committed to partnering with Andretti to race in F1,” Reuss added. “The collaboration between Andretti-Cadillac brings together two unique entities built for racing, both with long pedigrees of success in motorsport globally.”
GM declared in January that it would be working with Andretti Global under the Cadillac brand on Andretti’s F1 entry application. GM stated that its efforts would be in cooperation with an established manufacturer and that it does not have its own F1 power unit.
Andretti’s application was approved by the FIA in July, but F1 has not yet approved it. However, the claim that GM is merely supporting Andretti while he uses an engine bearing another brand’s Cadillac badge has been one of the criticisms leveled at the company.
GM has now chosen to develop its own engine. Andretti would have to use an engine made by a different manufacturer until 2028 if he were allowed to join the Formula 1 grid as the 11th team.
In 2026, F1 will implement new engine regulations that prioritize the use of sustainable fuels and increased electric power. The FIA has signed six manufacturers, including newcomer Audi, who will collaborate with Sauber to supply engines in 2026.
Andretti was the only one out of seven applicants to satisfy all requirements, and with a car already put together, he hoped to compete in 2025 as the FIA expands the grid from 10 teams to 11.
It had been Andretti’s intention to work with GM and an established engine manufacturer. However, reports indicate that F1 had asked GM to find another team to partner with instead of Andretti Global which suggests that F1 is not impressed with the Andretti application.
