From 2026, General Motors in the guise of Cadillac joins Formula 1. But the Americans will have to use Ferrari technology for the first long while.
Cadillac wants Ferrari as an engine supplier in Formula 1 from 2026. This means that the American car brand will not be an actual engine supplier to begin with. Mario Andretti, who sits on the General Motors/Cadillac board, believes that Ferrari is the preferred choice.
– We are working on it, nothing is ready yet, but it is definitely our goal and our first choice, says Andretti to NBC News .
According to Andretti, the team has not explored other engine supply options and there are no current plans to approach other manufacturers. When asked about the possibility of alternative suppliers, he replied:
– No, we are only working to resolve an agreement with Ferrari.
The choice of Ferrari can also be seen in light of Andretti's previous association with the Italian marque. In the 1970s he himself drove for Ferrari, and he highlights the historic collaboration as a natural part of the decision.
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– My story with Ferrari and my relationship with Mr. Ferrari – everything fits extremely well. There are so many factors here that make a lot of sense. It will be the best of all worlds, he told NBC News.
It is unclear who Andretti means when he says Mr. Ferrari. Technically, the motorsports man may well have managed to fashion Enzo Ferrari, for his death in 1988. But the probability that he means his son Piero Ferrari, who is 79 years old today, is greater.
Although Cadillac starts with engines from Ferrari, there are plans to develop its own engines in the future. GM expects to be ready with independent engine production from 2028. With this, the intention is for the team to gradually build a more independent technological basis in Formula 1.
Andretti also revealed some thoughts about the team's future choir. He mentions that a combination of experience and young talent could be an advantage for the team.
– From our point of view, I think the best thing in the beginning will be to have an experienced choir – nationality does not matter – and then a young American talent, he told NBC News.
If Cadillac uses engines from Ferrari, they will be in the company of other teams such as Haas and Sauber, who already use engines from the Italian manufacturer. Thus, Cadillac's Formula 1 participation will initially be a mixture of American management and European technology.
