System 1 is growing! From 2026 onwards, there will not be just ten teams competing in motorsport’s premier class, but eleven. The race series and General Motors agreed in principle to join.
Now Michael Andretti and his team have the green light for Formula 1 – but without his name being mentioned in the press release.
On Monday after the Las Vegas GP, Formula 1 made it official that from 2026 there will probably be eleven teams instead of just ten in Formula 1. In any case, “a basic agreement” was reached with General Motors to launch a team under name GM/Cadillac.
For years, Michael Andretti has been pushing to enter Formula 1 – with partner General Motors and the Cadillac brand. The entry of the eleventh team was ignored by the world federation FIA – but rejected by Formula 1. Reason: The eleventh team cannot provide any additional championship value. And the racing series would increase the value of the brand, but not otherwise. A slap in the face to Andretti, which led to criticism from fans.
Andretti was not discouraged and continued to work on his project. He opened a factory in England in the spring, is working in a wind tunnel and has a lot going on. Before we start, it’s not under the budget cap. At the beginning of 2026, new rules of aerodynamics and engines will come into force in Formula 1, which gives the newcomers an opportunity and can shake up the field.
The promise is now bearing fruit: Andretti gets the long-awaited ride. However, without mentioning his name.
It is interesting that the reference is always to “GM/Cadillac” or “General Motors”. Michael Andretti himself had recently withdrawn from the day-to-day business of the racing team. That seems to have an effect. The announcement only quotes its new CEO Dan Towriss.
The decision to (re)in Formula 1 by GM/Cadillac also follows a major change in Formula 1 rights holder Liberty Media. There goes CEO Greg Maffei. He allegedly put himself in an offensive position against Andretti to join. Fear of legal problems may also have contributed to the change in attitude. The US Department of Justice opened an investigation into the case.
In a statement from Formula 1, the validity of the agreement states that they remained in negotiations with “General Motors and their partners at TWG Global”. “Key operational milestones” were reached there and a commitment was made to brand the team as “GM/Cadillac” and join GM as an engine manufacturer later. “They will continue the application process and provide further updates in due course.”
Noch-Liberty CEO Maffei is quoted in the statement as saying: “Given the plans for the growth of Formula 1 in the United States, we have been convinced that the addition of an attractive American brand like GM/Cadillac to the grid with GM as the future. engine service can add additional value and interest to the sport. We are grateful to the leadership of General Motors and its partners for the great progress in their readiness to enter Formula 1. We look forward to the application process to the team of GM/Cadillac to enter the championship in 2026.”
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali: “The commitment of General Motors and Cadillac to this project is an important and positive confirmation of the development of our sport. We look forward to the development and growth of this enrollment and are assured of the full cooperation and support of everyone involved.
Even if the announcement sounds vague and leaves an open loophole, after the FIA and Formula 1 continue, there should be nothing that prevents entry.
