F1 formally approves deal for General Motors to become 11th team with Cadillac in 2026

System 1 has formally authorised the entry of Common Motors and its Cadillac model into the championship for the 2026 season and past.

The transfer supersedes a deal in principle that was reached between F1 and General Motors last November and now ratifies Cadillac’s slot on the grid as an eleventh crew.

It’s going to imply that the Silverstone-based operation has the complete help of GM, initially joining as a Ferrari customer outfit before producing its own power units from 2028.

The American producer had been engaged on an settlement with Andretti World to type an F1 crew, but the initial application was rejected as Formula One Management did not believe the team’s proposal would add value to the series.

That embarrassing snub had given rise to elevated tensions between Michael Andretti and F1 over Andretti’s aggressive campaigning to overturn the choice, together with a long-running standoff involving US Congress and the Division of Justice.

Nonetheless, a revised bid led by Dan Towriss’s TWG Group after Andretti stepped down has now been given the inexperienced mild.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali mentioned: “As we mentioned in November, the dedication by Common Motors to convey a Cadillac crew to System 1 was an necessary and constructive demonstration of the evolution of our sport.

“I wish to thank GM and TWG for his or her constructive engagement over many months and sit up for welcoming the crew on the grid from 2026 for what will probably be one other thrilling 12 months for System 1.”

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem added: “Right this moment marks a transformative second, and I’m proud to steer the Federation on this progressive step for the championship.

“The FIA System 1 championship’s enlargement to an eleventh crew in 2026 is a milestone. GM/Cadillac brings recent power, aligning with the brand new FIA 2026 rules and ushering in an thrilling period for the game.

“The Cadillac System 1 Workforce’s presence within the paddock will encourage future rivals and followers. Their entry strengthens our mission to push motorsport’s boundaries on the highest degree.”

The UK-based operation has been slowly rising regardless of the pending affirmation, and can begin F1 after the most important set of regulation adjustments within the championship’s historical past.

A very new energy unit and chassis ruleset is available in for 2026 and the Cadillac F1 Workforce now has solely 12 months to arrange for its debut season.

The challenge has been led by former Marussia crew boss Graeme Lowdon, who has recruited senior designers together with F1 stalwart Pat Symonds and former Renault engine chief Rob White.

Graeme Lowdon within the Stake F1 Workforce KICK Sauber storage

Picture by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Pictures

IndyCar star Colton Herta has emerged as a possible driver for the Cadillac entry. The 24-year-old American has beforehand examined a McLaren F1 automotive at Portimao in 2022 and has beforehand raced in Europe.

He just lately cooled discuss of linking him to the Cadillac F1 seat saying: “I might be leaving an incredible group of individuals I actually like working with, so it isn’t a positive factor for me.

“It is not a straightforward resolution, simply to be like, ‘all proper, see you guys later’. I might be giving up a chance of possibly by no means working with these folks once more.”