The FIA has confirmed General Motors (GM) has been officially registered as an F1 power unit manufacturer, prior to Cadillac joining the grid in 2026.
GM, as owners of the iconic brand, is the driving force behind the operation and is set to become an engine OEM from the 2029 F1 season onwards, one year later than initially planned.
The American team has already struck a deal with Ferrari to be supplied by the Italian squad for its first two campaigns in the championship, before becoming a works team. That agreement is now expected to run for an additional season.
Officially registering for that status represents an important milestone in the project, and is one of the cornerstones behind F1 accepting its bid to become the 11th team on the grid.
"Over two years ago, the FIA approved the entry of an eleventh team into the FIA Formula One World Championship, guided by my vision to expand the grid and bring new talent and opportunity to our sport," said FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. "Although the process was at times challenging, the progress we see today affirms the journey has been worthwhile.
"Welcoming GM Performance Power Units LLC. as an approved power unit supplier for the Championship starting in 2029 marks another step in the global expansion of Formula 1 and highlights the growing interest from world-class automotive manufacturers like General Motors.
"Their dedication to innovation, sustainability, and competition is fully aligned with the FlA's vision for the future of our sport. It also strengthens our commitment to making motorsport more accessible and inclusive worldwide — welcoming new manufacturers, advancing technology, and connecting with a broader, more diverse fan base."
Upon announcement of the news, General Motors released a statement (below).
General Motors statement
GM Performance Power Units LLC., a company formed by TWG Motorsports and General Motors to build powertrains for the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, has officially been approved by the FlA as a power unit supplier for the FIA Formula One World Championship starting in 2029.
The Cadillac Formula 1 Team will join the grid in 2026 and utilise Ferrari power units until the GM engines are homologated for racing use.
Development and testing of the team's Formula 1 prototype engine technology is ongoing while plans are under way to open a dedicated facility for Performance Power Units LLC near GM's Charlotte Technical Center in 2026.
Earlier this year, industry veteran Russ O'Blenes was named CEO of the new venture. "With this approval from FIA, we will continue to accelerate our efforts to bring an American-built F1 power unit to the grid," O'Blenes said.
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