The American automotive giant General Motors was officially approved by the FIA as an engine manufacturer for the 2029 Formula 1 season-the World Association announced this on Wednesday with a broadcast.
Only about two months ago, Cadillac’s square was officially confirmed as an eleventh team in the Formula 1 Starterfeld for 2026. Thanks to the approval of GM Performance Power Units LLC, it is clear that the racing team can start with drive units developed and produced in the USA from 2029.
In the first three years of his participation, the team will initially compete with Ferrari engines before the homologated drive units will finally be used from their own development from 2029.
“With the FIA approval, we intensify our efforts to get a Formula 1 drive unit developed in the USA,” said Russ O’Blene, CEO of GM Performance Power Units LLC, in a statement to “Motorsport.com”.
The engines are being built in a new development center that General Motors created together with TWG Motorsports – the parent company of Andretti Global. In the coming year, a specially furnished technology center near GMS Technical Development Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, will be opened.
FIA President sees increasing interest in Formula 1
“The inclusion of GM Performance Power Units LLC as an approved drive supplier from 2029 is another important step in the global expansion of Formula 1,” explains FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem: “It shows the increasing interest of leading automobile manufacturers such as General Motors in our premier class.”
The FIA President praises: “Your commitment to innovation, sustainability and competition is in line with the FIA future vision. In addition, it underlines our commitment to a more open, more accessible and more diverse motorsport landscape.”
With the entry of General Motors, the field of renowned drive manufacturers in Formula 1. From 2029, GM will compete with engines from Ferrari, Mercedes, Audi and Ford – the other US giant cooperates with Red Bull for their engine program.