Both Ford and its crosstown rival, General Motors, are slated to join the F1 grid in 2026, bringing American manufacturers back to the international open wheel scene. But while Ford partnered with Red Bull Racing (RBR) to provide support and engine tech to the project, GM is taking a different approach with plans to build its own power units down the line. In fact, GM recently received official approval from the FIA to become an engine supplier in 2029.
According to a report from Motorsport, GM Performance Power Units, a division entirely dedicated to the design and production of F1 power units, will supply the forthcoming Cadillac team with engines. The collaboration between TWG Global and GM will begin producing power units in 2029. Until then, the Caddy race cars will harness Ferrari-built power units.
“With this approval from the FIA, we will continue to accelerate our efforts to bring an American-built F1 power unit to the grid,” GM Performance Power Units CEO Russ O’Blenes said in a statement.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem added, “Welcoming GM Performance Power Units LLC. as an approved power unit supplier for the Championship starting in 2029 marks another step in the global expansion of Formula 1 and highlights the growing interest from world-class automotive manufacturers like General Motors.”
GM was initially expected to begin building its power units in 2028. However, recent discussions attended by manufacturer representatives may signal that new regulations are on the way by the end of the decade.
Despite the fact that the Ford/RBR alliance is relatively new, Ford Performance head Mark Rushbrook says it has one big advantage. While other manufacturers are focused on building competitive engines for the current regulations and preparing for 2026, Ford and Red Bull can solely concentrate their efforts on making 2026-compliant power units. Ford is contributing engine tech to the project, and is already producing 3D-printed parts for the race cars.
Comment
GM’s been at for sometime now with their Indy engines, while Ford has to get up-to-speed in this arena, after having been absent from the scene for decades. It’ll be an interesting clash in 2029! Do you homework folks! You’ve got the time.