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Formula 19 Jan 20252 min read

GM Launches New Company for Cadillac's Entry into Formula 1

General Motors has announced the formation of GM Performance Power Units LLC, aimed at developing powertrains for Cadillac's anticipated F1 team set to debut in 2026. CEO Russ O’Blenes brings over 30 years of motorsport experience to lead this venture, while Ferrari will support with initial power units.

Source: formula1.com
GM Launches New Company for Cadillac's Entry into Formula 1
Image via formula1.com

Key Takeaways

  • 1.In November, it was confirmed that Formula 1 had reached an agreement in principle to accommodate GM/Cadillac as the 11th team in the championship for the upcoming season in 2026.
  • 2.His expertise is expected to be pivotal as GM strives to establish Cadillac as a “full works” F1 team by the decade's end.
  • 3.General Motors (GM) is making a significant push into the world of Formula 1 with the formation of GM Performance Power Units LLC, a new company dedicated to developing powertrains for Cadillac's future team.

General Motors (GM) is making a significant push into the world of Formula 1 with the formation of GM Performance Power Units LLC, a new company dedicated to developing powertrains for Cadillac's future team. This initiative is set against the backdrop of Cadillac's potential entry into the F1 grid in 2026, marking a notable return of an American manufacturer to the forefront of global motorsport.

At the helm of this new venture is Russ O’Blenes, who has been appointed as CEO. O’Blenes comes with a rich background in motorsport, having more than 30 years of experience, and currently serves as the director of GM's Motorsports Propulsion and Performance team. His expertise is expected to be pivotal as GM strives to establish Cadillac as a “full works” F1 team by the decade's end.

“We’re delighted to welcome Russ to this pivotal role,” said Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports, the partner involved in this project. “His expertise and leadership will be instrumental as we lay the foundation for Cadillac’s Formula 1 journey.”

This sentiment was echoed by O’Blenes himself, who expressed enthusiasm for his new role: “I am truly excited to have the opportunity to build and lead the team that will bring an American-built F1 power unit to the grid. GM PPU is currently ramping up its team and is hiring in all areas of the business.”

In a further boost to this initiative, GM President Mark Reuss highlighted the extensive experience O’Blenes brings, stating, “Russ brings vast experience from many championship racing series, and has outstanding technical expertise, including spearheading our hybrid IMSA Cadillac and Corvette C8.R engines that are proven winners.”

Looking ahead, GM has already initiated development and testing on the prototype engine technology for their Formula 1 ambitions. Additionally, plans are underway to establish a dedicated facility for Performance Power Units LLC, which will be located near GM’s Charlotte Technical Center and is expected to be operational by 2026.

To facilitate Cadillac’s entry before its own power units are ready, the team has entered into an agreement with Ferrari. Under this arrangement, Ferrari will supply power units and gearboxes for Cadillac starting in the 2026 season. This partnership is crucial as Formula 1 prepares for its next phase and GM aims to showcase its engineering prowess on a prominent global stage.

In November, it was confirmed that Formula 1 had reached an agreement in principle to accommodate GM/Cadillac as the 11th team in the championship for the upcoming season in 2026. As GM embarks on this ambitious journey, the motorsport world waits with anticipation to see how Cadillac will perform among the elite teams of Formula 1.