General Motors (GM) Sets Up Engine Company for F1 Debut

General Motors (GM) has established a new engine-building company, GM Performance Power Units as it prepares for its anticipated entry into Formula 1 in 2026. GM has already reached an agreement to join F1, partnering with US group TWG Global and launching a new team under its luxury Cadillac brand. The company is working on developing the engine that will power Cadillac’s F1 cars, aiming to become a “full works” team by the end of the decade.

Until the new engine is ready, Cadillac will use Ferrari’s customer engines starting in 2024. General Motors (GM) has begun testing prototype F1 engine technology at its motorsport technical center in Charlotte, North Carolina with plans to open a dedicated F1 engine facility nearby in 2026. Russ O’Blenes, head of GM’s motorsports propulsion and performance team will serve as CEO of the new engine company.

Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports, expressed confidence in O’Blenes’ leadership, noting his expertise in motorsports and technology. GM president Mark Reuss highlighted O’Blenes’ experience with successful racing programs including the hybrid Imsa Cadillac and Corvette C8.R engines which have earned championships. Cadillac’s entry into F1 comes as several other major automakers including Ford and Audi are also preparing to enter the sport due to new engine regulations being introduced in 2026.

Ford is partnering with Red Bull while Audi is establishing its own factory team after acquiring Sauber. These changes will add to the existing engine manufacturers, Mercedes, Ferrari and Honda. The new regulations will significantly increase the proportion of hybrid power in the 1.5-litre V6 turbo engines, up to 50%, and mandate carbon-neutral sustainable fuels.