GM’s Cadillac brand partners with Ferrari for power units as it eyes a 2026 Formula 1 debut, pending official approval.

Cadillac is gearing up for its ambitious entry into Formula 1, with Ferrari engines set to power the new team when it debuts in the 2026 season. The iconic American brand, part of General Motors (GM), has reached an agreement with Ferrari to provide customer power units and gearboxes until Cadillac’s own engine programme is operational, expected by 2028.

This partnership comes as Formula 1 continues to expand its footprint in the United States, a key market where the sport has seen a surge in popularity. The deal ensures Ferrari will maintain two customer teams in 2026, even as Sauber transitions into the Audi factory team. Haas, Ferrari’s long-time partner, will continue to use its engines alongside Cadillac.

Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting Cadillac’s reputation as one of the most esteemed marques in the automotive world. “It’s fantastic to witness the commitment of another American team at a time when Formula 1 is growing in popularity in the United States,” said Vasseur. He added, “We are thrilled to supply Cadillac with our power unit and gearbox, establishing a strong technical collaboration that benefits both parties.”

Cadillac’s planned entry is yet to receive official approval from Formula 1, but insiders suggest it is merely a procedural formality. Once confirmed, the move will mark a significant milestone for GM, as it represents the company’s first foray into the pinnacle of motorsport under the Cadillac banner.

The decision to partner with Ferrari ensures Cadillac will hit the ground running in 2026 while its own engine development continues in the background. The brand has already hinted at building an independent power unit to compete under the new F1 engine regulations introduced that year.

Ferrari, too, stands to benefit from this arrangement. Retaining two customer teams allows the Italian constructor to gather more on-track data, accelerating its technical advancements. Vasseur noted, “Having two customer teams bolsters our development efforts and strengthens our position in a highly competitive field.”

For Cadillac, the timing aligns perfectly with Formula 1’s push for greater representation in the U.S. market. With races in Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas becoming fan favourites, the addition of a second American team alongside Haas is expected to further energise domestic interest.

Cadillac’s agreement with Ferrari underscores the importance of strategic partnerships in motorsport. By leveraging Ferrari’s established technology and expertise, Cadillac can focus on assembling a competitive team and navigating the complex challenges of a Formula 1 debut.

Meanwhile, Audi’s entry into F1, taking over Sauber as a factory team, signifies a shift in the competitive landscape. As these high-profile manufacturers join the grid, the sport is poised for an era of heightened innovation and rivalry.

Although Cadillac’s engine programme may not be ready until 2028, the collaboration with Ferrari provides a robust foundation for the team to build upon. It also reflects GM’s broader commitment to establishing Cadillac as a global performance brand.

Pending official ratification, Cadillac’s journey into Formula 1 marks a pivotal chapter in the sport’s evolution, blending American ingenuity with Ferrari’s engineering prowess. With the countdown to the 2026 season underway, fans eagerly anticipate how this partnership will reshape the grid and add another layer of excitement to the world’s premier motorsport series.