Alexandre
Formula 1 continues to surprise with landmark announcements, and the latest could reshuffle the deck: Ferrari is set to supply its engines to a new American team, GM/Cadillac, from 2026. Currently, Ferrari equips its own stable, the Scuderia Ferrarias well as Haas and Sauber. However, the arrival of Audi in 2026 will mean the end of the partnership between Ferrari and Sauber, leaving a vacancy for a new customer.
A new American team on the grid
The F1 officially validated the arrival of GM/Cadillac for 2026, marking the entry of an 11ᵉ team on the grid. This project, supported by General Motors, Cadillac and the emblematic Mario Andretti, will give Ferrari a new engine partner. Mario Andretti, F1 world champion in 1978, and now senior project advisor. confirmed discussions with Ferrari. "Nothing has been finalized yet, but that's the objective, and it would be the best solution," he said.
This association makes perfect sense. Mario Andretti has a long-standing relationship with Ferrari, having driven for the brand in the 1970s and briefly in 1982. These strong ties, combined with Renault's withdrawal from the initial negotiations, made Ferrari the most likely choice for Cadillac.
An opportunity for Ferrari
With the application of new engine regulations in 2026, having three teams equipped with Ferrari engines would represent a strategic asset for Ferrari. Indeed, partner teams play a crucial role in the development and reliability of power units. Having data from three separate teams could give Ferrari a significant competitive advantage over rivals such as Mercedes, Red Bull Powertrains, Honda with Aston Martin, and now Audi.
What's more, this agreement with Cadillac could consolidate Ferrari's position as F1's benchmark engine manufacturerat a time when interest in the sport is booming, particularly in the United States. With the Haas stable and now GM/CadillacFerrari would strengthen its presence in a key market.
Cadillac, an ambitious future engine builder
Cadillac will start out as a customer team, General Motors has already announced its intention to become a fully-fledged engine manufacturer in the near future. This transition could take several years, but in the meantime, the use of a Ferrari engine will enable Cadillac to build a solid base for its entry into the premier class.
Greg Maffei, Chairman of Liberty Media, and Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1, both welcomed the arrival. It is in line with F1's growth strategy in the United States, where the sport is growing in popularity thanks to iconic events such as the Miami Grand Prix and the Las Vegas Grand Prix.