Cadillac Takes Step Towards F1 Debut with New Engine Company

Cadillac's F1 debut takes a step forward as General Motors establishes a new engine company to power its racing efforts.

General Motors has taken a significant step towards establishing a full-fledged works team for its planned Cadillac Formula 1 entry by the end of the decade. The company announced on Thursday that it has set up an engine company, GM Performance Power Units LLC, to support its F1 ambitions.

The formation of the engine company is a crucial milestone in Cadillac's journey to become an 11th F1 team in 2026. Last November, the Liberty Media-owned sport announced an agreement in principle for the team, backed by GM and partners TWG Global, to join the F1 grid.

Russ O'Blenes, currently the director of the GM Motorsports Propulsion and Performance team, will lead GM Performance Power Units LLC. GM President Mark Reuss expressed his confidence in O'Blenes' ability to lead the Power Unit team, stating, “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.”

Cadillac has already begun developing and testing a prototype, with plans to establish a dedicated facility for the new company near the GM technical centre in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2026. The team will also maintain a base at Silverstone in England.

Until the GM engines are ready and approved, the team will utilize Ferrari engines. This temporary arrangement will enable Cadillac to participate in F1 competitions while its own engines are being developed and refined.