It's Official: GM Accepted As Formula 1 Engine Supplier
General Motors has officially been approved as a Formula 1 engine supplier beginning with the 2029 season, it's the latest milestone in the automaker’s journey into the sport under the Cadillac brand.
Key Points
- General Motors has been officially approved by the FIA to join Formula 1 as a power unit manufacturer starting in 2029.
- Cadillac will debut as an F1 team in 2026 using Ferrari engines before transitioning to in-house GM powertrains by the end of the decade.
- GM’s engine will comply with the upcoming F1 hybrid regulations that increase electric power contribution to 50% and simplify power unit technology.
The FIA confirmed the decision in a joint announcement with GM—the American manufacturer’s power units will be eligible to compete under the new engine regulations set to take effect in 2026 and run through at least 2030. This is the first time a formal debut year has been associated with GM’s power unit plans.
Cadillac will enter F1 as a team in 2026, utilizing Ferrari-supplied engines until its in-house units are ready—this will revive the Cadillac-Italian connection that originally brought us the Cadillac Allante. GM’s powertrain development is being overseen by the newly created GM Performance Power Units LLC, which will be responsible for building the next-generation F1 engine at its facility in North Carolina.
“With this approval from the FIA, we will continue to accelerate our efforts to bring an American-built F1 power unit to the grid,” Russ O’Blenes, CEO of GM Performance Power Units LLC, said in a statement from the FIA.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem praised the announcement, saying, “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.”
The 2026 engine regulations will continue to use 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid power units but with an increased emphasis on electrification. The new rules will raise the proportion of electric power from 20% to roughly 50%, while simplifying the overall power unit design to reduce costs and improve reliability.
While there has been discussion about introducing simpler, naturally aspirated engines—such as V8s or V10s—before the next regulation cycle ends, the manufacturers firmly rejected the proposal earlier this year.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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F1 engines have become extremely reliable. GM has a big hurdle to overcome to provide that level of reliability.
Just remembering that fantastic Ultra sophisticated North Star engine...
Hope they learned a few lessons.