Until its proprietary engines are ready, the Cadillac team—co-owned by GM and TWG Motorsports—will use Ferrari power units to compete from 2026 through 2028. GM’s dedicated F1 engine division, GM Performance Power Units, is already engaged in the research and development phase. The power units are being designed with a long-term strategy in mind, and a new factory is set to be established in North Carolina to support the project.
"The development and testing of the team’s Formula 1 prototype engine technology is ongoing," the FIA stated in a social media announcement, signaling the start of a significant investment in American motorsport innovation.
This strategic engine debut in 2029 also comes as F1 remains in discussions about the future of its power unit regulations. While new rules emphasizing a larger electric component are set to take effect in 2026, there has been renewed debate about the sport’s technical direction. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem recently floated the idea of reintroducing V10 engines—a nod to F1’s past that has sparked interest among purists and manufacturers alike.
Talks at the Bahrain Grand Prix earlier this year confirmed a continued commitment to the 2026 hybrid regulations, but also opened the door for further dialogue on the long-term evolution of F1's powertrain philosophy.
GM’s future role as a power unit supplier is a significant move in that evolving landscape, further internationalizing the grid and injecting fresh competition into the engine supplier space traditionally dominated by European manufacturers.
As the countdown to 2026 begins, all eyes will be on Cadillac’s debut—and the road to 2029, when GM’s engines are expected to fire up on the F1 grid for the first time.