The Federation Internationale de l`Automobile (FIA) has given its approval for General Motors to develop and supply power units for the Formula 1 World Championship starting from the 2029 season.
This move follows the earlier approval for the General Motors-backed Cadillac team entry itself, which is set to join the F1 grid in 2026. The team will initially utilize engines provided by Ferrari for their first three years of competition.
General Motors is entering the sport through a collaboration with the American group TWG Motorsports.
Formula 1 is preparing to have 11 teams competing from next year, coinciding with the introduction of new technical regulations anticipated to potentially shift the competitive dynamics within the sport.
Russ O`Blenes, the chief executive overseeing the new entry, stated, “With this approval from the FIA, we are further accelerating our efforts to bring an American-built F1 power unit onto the grid.”
This development means that from 2029, Formula 1 will feature a lineup of six distinct engine suppliers. General Motors will join the ranks alongside existing manufacturers Ferrari, Mercedes, Honda, Red Bull Powertrains-Ford, and Audi.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem commented on the significance of the approval: “More than two years ago, the FIA sanctioned the entry of an 11th team into the FIA Formula One World Championship, guided by my vision to expand the grid and introduce new talent and opportunities to our sport. While the process encountered challenges at times, the progress we witness today validates the effort. Approving GM Performance Power Units LLC as a power unit supplier for the Championship starting in 2029 represents another step in the global expansion of Formula 1 and highlights the increasing interest from world-class automotive manufacturers such as General Motors.
He added, “Their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and competition is perfectly aligned with the FIA`s vision for the future of our sport. It also strengthens our dedication to enhancing the accessibility and inclusivity of motorsport worldwide – welcoming new manufacturers, advancing technology, and connecting with a broader, more diverse fanbase.”
