GM and Cadillac demonstrate 'evolution' of F1 - Domenicali

F1 boss Stefano Domenicali has said General Motors' (GM) and Cadillac showcase the "evolution" of the championship he presides over.

The household American names have reached an "agreement in principle" with F1 to become the 11th team on the grid, starting in 2026.

That season will usher in the start of a new regulatory era, with revamped chassis and power unit rules.

Initially, the plan is for the GM/Cadillac entry to be a customer team ahead of assuming full works status with its own engine from 2028 onwards, adding another OEM to the series.

After F1 rejected Andretti's FIA-approved bid to join the paddock earlier in 2024, the operation continued behind the scenes, making significant changes in a bid to progress its application further.

The situation remained dynamic, developing after Andretti's involvement was scaled back, with GM and Cadillac taking centre stage.

“General Motors and Cadillac’s commitment to this project is an important and positive demonstration of the evolution of our sport," said Domenicali, F1 President and CEO.

"We look forward to seeing the progress and growth of this entry, certain of the full collaboration and support of all the parties involved.”

At this stage, it is a statement of intention from F1 and it has confirmed there will be further updates in due course.

Liberty Media, which owns F1, highlighted its United States-based growth plan as a key reason for the developing situation.

It feels that GM and Cadillac will bring "additional value and interest to the sport", something that has been a major consideration for the 10 teams already racing in F1.

“With Formula 1’s continued growth plans in the US, we have always believed that welcoming an impressive US brand like GM/Cadillac to the grid and GM as a future power unit supplier could bring additional value and interest to the sport," said Greg Maffei, Liberty Media president and CEO.

"We credit the leadership of General Motors and their partners with significant progress in their readiness to enter Formula 1. We are excited to move forward with the application process for the GM/Cadillac team to enter the Championship in 2026.”