Ford Rival GM Nears F1 Entry Via New Andretti Bid

Big changes are coming to Formula One in 2026. Ford is headed back to the international open wheel racing grid thanks to a partnership with Red Bull Racing (RBR). Ford expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to go head-to-head with crosstown rival General Motors, which has been fiercely vying for a spot on the F1 grid. And now, it appears GM’s efforts are finally paying off, as its entry looks all but secured.

As reported by our sister publication, GM Authority, Formula One Management (FOM) has been much more receptive to talks with GM since Andretti Global’s Michael Andretti took a step back from his ownership stake in the organization. Long story short, GM was asked to partner with someone other than Andretti, who had some beef with F1 execs. Now that Andretti himself has taken a more behind-the-scenes role at Andretti Global, FOM is less opposed to the organization’s entry into F1.

That puts Dan Towriss at the helm. Towriss was on scene at Las Vegas for this week’s Grand Prix, surveying the competition and testing the waters. FOM is expected to announce GM’s addition to the F1 grid within the next few weeks. When that happens, Cadillac, which is GM’s luxury arm, will represent The General on the F1 circuit, racing alongside Ford in 2026.

It’s also important to note that GM was approved as a power unit manufacturer and will begin building engines in 2028. The proposed Cadillac team will be GM-branded, but will need to source its power units from a third party until that happens.

Ford itself is taking a different approach to F1 competition. It will begin building power units for RBR in 2026, and The Blue Oval has had a big hand in helping the motorsports team develop its engines. Prior to its deal with RBR, though, Ford was in serious talks to purchase an existing team, but now, it doesn’t have to go that route.