Cadillac, one of General Motors’ (GM) most iconic brands, has confirmed a billion-dollar investment to secure its entry into Formula 1 starting in 2026. The project involves building an engineering and power unit development complex in Concord, North Carolina, with an estimated investment between $140 million and $155 million (approximately R$ 809 to R$ 896 million at the current exchange rate). This initiative aims to establish the necessary infrastructure for the team and ensure high-level technical development, aiming to compete on equal footing with the sport’s traditional teams. The announcement comes at a time of motorsport expansion in the United States and marks a significant step for American presence in Formula 1, which has become increasingly globalized.
Cadillac’s project will be divided into two main phases: the construction of an initial complex, valued between $65 million and $70 million (R$ 376 to R$ 405 million), and the installation dedicated to power unit development, requiring an investment between $75 million and $85 million (R$ 433 to R$ 491 million). The city of Concord has published official documents approving the project, outlining incentives and structural support to facilitate its execution.
In addition to establishing a base in the United States, Cadillac will follow the strategy of other major Formula 1 teams by maintaining a facility in Silverstone, United Kingdom. This setup will enable efficient technology and engineering exchange between the two continents, ensuring that the team aligns with the best practices in global motorsport.
🚨 A Cadillac deve construir um complexo em Concord, no estado norte-americano da Carolina do Norte que ficará pronto nos próximos anos. Eles também trabalharão em desenvolver seu próprio motor, para utilizar peças próprias a partir de 2028.#F1 pic.twitter.com/GsNAhJrkQZ
— Formula Girly (@formulagirlybr) February 11, 2025
Planned infrastructure and economic impact of the investment
The factory in North Carolina will cover an area of 18,956 square kilometers and serve as the team’s operational hub. The location was strategically chosen for its proximity to Hendrick Motorsports, one of NASCAR’s leading teams, and for its deep-rooted motorsport tradition.
Cadillac’s investment not only strengthens its presence in motorsports but also boosts the local economy. It is estimated that the project will create between 300 and 350 direct jobs, along with a significant number of indirect positions in related sectors such as automotive engineering, logistics, and technology. The local government of Concord has expressed its full support for the project, reinforcing the city’s commitment to fostering the growth of the automotive sector.
Partnership with Ferrari and the development of its own power unit
Cadillac will make its Formula 1 debut in 2026 using Ferrari-supplied engines but has plans to develop its own power unit by 2028. The development of these new engines will take place at the new US-based facility, with construction set to begin in the first quarter of 2025 and expected completion by the first quarter of 2027.
GM Performance Power Units LLC, a division created by GM to lead the team’s technical development, will be responsible for the power unit project. The company will be led by Russ O’Blenes, an engineer with over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, known for leading high-performance projects within GM.
Cadillac’s motorsport history and return to racing’s elite
Cadillac has a long history in motorsports, with notable participation in various competitions. In the 1950s, the brand competed in the NASCAR Grand National Series, gaining recognition in the United States. In the early 2000s, it took part in the American Le Mans Series with the Northstar LMP prototype. More recently, in 2017, Cadillac returned to endurance racing with the Cadillac DPi-V.R in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, securing significant victories.
Joining Formula 1 represents a new chapter for Cadillac, which aims to establish itself as a major high-performance brand in global motorsports. The initial partnership with Ferrari will allow the team to gain experience before implementing its own power unit, a move that could be crucial for its competitiveness.
Partnership with Andretti Global and Formula 1 entry challenges
Initially, GM planned to enter Formula 1 in partnership with Andretti Global but faced resistance from the category. The original proposal was rejected, and only after adjustments to the business model and the decision to use the Cadillac brand as the main identity was the project approved.
Even after receiving FIA approval, Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 sparked debates among existing teams. Some expressed concerns about revenue distribution and the financial impact of adding a new team. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff stated that the current compensation fee might not be sufficient to cover revenue losses for traditional teams, suggesting that Cadillac will need to prove its commercial and sporting value to secure its place in the competition.
Formula 1’s expansion in the US and the impact of Cadillac’s entry
Cadillac’s arrival in Formula 1 comes at a time of significant expansion for the category in the United States. With the addition of new races in the country, such as the Miami and Las Vegas Grands Prix, F1 has been attracting a growing audience in the American market.
Having a team with American DNA strengthens this strategy, increasing fan engagement and attracting more sponsors to the category. Cadillac’s entry also represents an opportunity for GM to position itself globally as a leader in automotive technology and innovation.
Expectations for Cadillac’s debut in Formula 1
Cadillac’s Formula 1 debut is scheduled for the 2026 season, but the team is already working behind the scenes to structure its operations. The hiring of skilled professionals and adaptation to the category’s requirements are challenges demanding close attention.
The first Cadillac Formula 1 car will be designed following the technical regulations set for 2026, including aerodynamic changes and the new generation of hybrid engines. The team aims to develop a competitive car from the start, leveraging GM’s expertise in automotive engineering to create an efficient and reliable model.
Curiosities about Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1
- Cadillac will be the 11th team on the Formula 1 grid in 2026, marking a new phase of expansion for the category.
- The name Cadillac was chosen for its strong global market appeal, differentiating itself from the initial proposal to enter under the Andretti name.
- GM already has experience with high-performance engines and could benefit from learnings in other racing series to accelerate F1 power unit development.
- The proximity to Hendrick Motorsports, a NASCAR powerhouse, could facilitate knowledge-sharing between racing disciplines, positively impacting Cadillac’s performance.
Cadillac’s future in Formula 1 and 2028 prospects
With an ambitious plan and significant investment, Cadillac enters Formula 1 with expectations of becoming a competitive team in the medium term. The introduction of its proprietary power unit in 2028 will be a game-changer, allowing the team to compete with fully GM-developed technology.
The next few years will be crucial in determining Cadillac’s success in Formula 1. If it can develop an efficient operation and establish a competitive power unit, the team has the potential to become a key player in the sport.

Cadillac, one of General Motors’ (GM) most iconic brands, has confirmed a billion-dollar investment to secure its entry into Formula 1 starting in 2026. The project involves building an engineering and power unit development complex in Concord, North Carolina, with an estimated investment between $140 million and $155 million (approximately R$ 809 to R$ 896 million at the current exchange rate). This initiative aims to establish the necessary infrastructure for the team and ensure high-level technical development, aiming to compete on equal footing with the sport’s traditional teams. The announcement comes at a time of motorsport expansion in the United States and marks a significant step for American presence in Formula 1, which has become increasingly globalized.
Cadillac’s project will be divided into two main phases: the construction of an initial complex, valued between $65 million and $70 million (R$ 376 to R$ 405 million), and the installation dedicated to power unit development, requiring an investment between $75 million and $85 million (R$ 433 to R$ 491 million). The city of Concord has published official documents approving the project, outlining incentives and structural support to facilitate its execution.
In addition to establishing a base in the United States, Cadillac will follow the strategy of other major Formula 1 teams by maintaining a facility in Silverstone, United Kingdom. This setup will enable efficient technology and engineering exchange between the two continents, ensuring that the team aligns with the best practices in global motorsport.
🚨 A Cadillac deve construir um complexo em Concord, no estado norte-americano da Carolina do Norte que ficará pronto nos próximos anos. Eles também trabalharão em desenvolver seu próprio motor, para utilizar peças próprias a partir de 2028.#F1 pic.twitter.com/GsNAhJrkQZ
— Formula Girly (@formulagirlybr) February 11, 2025
Planned infrastructure and economic impact of the investment
The factory in North Carolina will cover an area of 18,956 square kilometers and serve as the team’s operational hub. The location was strategically chosen for its proximity to Hendrick Motorsports, one of NASCAR’s leading teams, and for its deep-rooted motorsport tradition.
Cadillac’s investment not only strengthens its presence in motorsports but also boosts the local economy. It is estimated that the project will create between 300 and 350 direct jobs, along with a significant number of indirect positions in related sectors such as automotive engineering, logistics, and technology. The local government of Concord has expressed its full support for the project, reinforcing the city’s commitment to fostering the growth of the automotive sector.
Partnership with Ferrari and the development of its own power unit
Cadillac will make its Formula 1 debut in 2026 using Ferrari-supplied engines but has plans to develop its own power unit by 2028. The development of these new engines will take place at the new US-based facility, with construction set to begin in the first quarter of 2025 and expected completion by the first quarter of 2027.
GM Performance Power Units LLC, a division created by GM to lead the team’s technical development, will be responsible for the power unit project. The company will be led by Russ O’Blenes, an engineer with over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, known for leading high-performance projects within GM.
Cadillac’s motorsport history and return to racing’s elite
Cadillac has a long history in motorsports, with notable participation in various competitions. In the 1950s, the brand competed in the NASCAR Grand National Series, gaining recognition in the United States. In the early 2000s, it took part in the American Le Mans Series with the Northstar LMP prototype. More recently, in 2017, Cadillac returned to endurance racing with the Cadillac DPi-V.R in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, securing significant victories.
Joining Formula 1 represents a new chapter for Cadillac, which aims to establish itself as a major high-performance brand in global motorsports. The initial partnership with Ferrari will allow the team to gain experience before implementing its own power unit, a move that could be crucial for its competitiveness.
Partnership with Andretti Global and Formula 1 entry challenges
Initially, GM planned to enter Formula 1 in partnership with Andretti Global but faced resistance from the category. The original proposal was rejected, and only after adjustments to the business model and the decision to use the Cadillac brand as the main identity was the project approved.
Even after receiving FIA approval, Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 sparked debates among existing teams. Some expressed concerns about revenue distribution and the financial impact of adding a new team. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff stated that the current compensation fee might not be sufficient to cover revenue losses for traditional teams, suggesting that Cadillac will need to prove its commercial and sporting value to secure its place in the competition.
Formula 1’s expansion in the US and the impact of Cadillac’s entry
Cadillac’s arrival in Formula 1 comes at a time of significant expansion for the category in the United States. With the addition of new races in the country, such as the Miami and Las Vegas Grands Prix, F1 has been attracting a growing audience in the American market.
Having a team with American DNA strengthens this strategy, increasing fan engagement and attracting more sponsors to the category. Cadillac’s entry also represents an opportunity for GM to position itself globally as a leader in automotive technology and innovation.
Expectations for Cadillac’s debut in Formula 1
Cadillac’s Formula 1 debut is scheduled for the 2026 season, but the team is already working behind the scenes to structure its operations. The hiring of skilled professionals and adaptation to the category’s requirements are challenges demanding close attention.
The first Cadillac Formula 1 car will be designed following the technical regulations set for 2026, including aerodynamic changes and the new generation of hybrid engines. The team aims to develop a competitive car from the start, leveraging GM’s expertise in automotive engineering to create an efficient and reliable model.
Curiosities about Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1
- Cadillac will be the 11th team on the Formula 1 grid in 2026, marking a new phase of expansion for the category.
- The name Cadillac was chosen for its strong global market appeal, differentiating itself from the initial proposal to enter under the Andretti name.
- GM already has experience with high-performance engines and could benefit from learnings in other racing series to accelerate F1 power unit development.
- The proximity to Hendrick Motorsports, a NASCAR powerhouse, could facilitate knowledge-sharing between racing disciplines, positively impacting Cadillac’s performance.
Cadillac’s future in Formula 1 and 2028 prospects
With an ambitious plan and significant investment, Cadillac enters Formula 1 with expectations of becoming a competitive team in the medium term. The introduction of its proprietary power unit in 2028 will be a game-changer, allowing the team to compete with fully GM-developed technology.
The next few years will be crucial in determining Cadillac’s success in Formula 1. If it can develop an efficient operation and establish a competitive power unit, the team has the potential to become a key player in the sport.
