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General Motors has signalled its intention to build a Cadillac-badged Formula 1 engine in 2028 to power Andretti’s prospective Formula 1 entry.
The FIA approved Andretti Cadillac’s bid to join the Formula 1 grid last month, leaving brokering an agreement with F1’s commercial rights holder the only stumbling block - albeit a significant one - between Andretti and a place on the F1 grid by 2026.
F1’s reluctance to accept Andretti’s bid is well known, with its new-team preference being an entry fully supported by a manufacturer that includes a works engine deal.
Andretti’s bid initially featured support from General Motors’ Cadillac brand but no formal plans for an engine deal.
However, on the eve of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the third 2023 F1 race in America, General Motors has announced it would supply Andretti with an F1 power unit after all and has registered with the FIA to be a manufacturer from 2028.
“We are thrilled that our new Andretti Cadillac F1 entry will be powered by a GM power unit,” said General Motors president Mark Reuss.
“With our deep engineering and racing expertise, we’re confident we’ll develop a successful power unit for the series, 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.”
General Motors said “development and testing of prototype technology is already under way” and it said the engine project will “advance GM’s expertise in areas including electrification, hybrid technology, sustainable fuels, high efficiency internal combustion engines, advanced controls, and software systems”.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem welcomed the news, tweeting "delighted with the news that GM have registered as a PU supplier for FIA F1. This is a further endorsement of the FIA's PU regulations.
"The presence of iconic American brands Andretti and GM is good for the sport."
Team owner Michael Andretti responded a few hours later on Tuesday.
"The GM PU will be a strong addition to F1," he wrote.
"We are proud the Andretti Cadillac partnership will make this possible. Our commitment to excellence will not be taken lightly as we continue planning to enter F1 as soon as possible and, in 2028, Andretti Cadillac will compete as a true American works team.
"This historic partnership will accelerate the sport in the fast-growing U.S. market as well as globally."
It’s unclear whether GM’s engine project is contingent on Andretti securing a place on the F1 grid and who would supply Andretti with engines before GM’s debuted in 2028.
Andretti previously indicated it had a deal in place with Renault although this is believed to have recently lapsed.
“Technically the [Renault] agreement went out, but once we get our approval then that will be fixed. So we’re not worried about that,” Michael Andretti told Sky Sports F1 last month.
