Cadillac's in-house F1 power unit project running ahead of schedule

Cadillac is on track to introduce its own General Motors-designed Formula 1 power unit in 2029, with the project currently described as "ahead of schedule." The team will use customer Ferrari engines until then, focusing on long-term competitiveness rather than short-term points targets in its debut 2026 season.

Why it matters:

The entry of a major American automotive manufacturer like General Motors, under the Cadillac brand, represents a significant shift in F1's power unit supplier landscape. A successful in-house engine program would reduce reliance on customer deals and solidify the team's identity as a full constructor, potentially altering the competitive dynamic among midfield and customer teams.

The details:

• The GM Performance Power Units division in North Carolina is leading the design and development, originally targeting a 2028 entry but now slated for 2029.
• Team CEO Dan Towriss emphasized the separation of intellectual property, stating the team will be a "customer team of Ferrari" while building its own PU, with no anticipated IP conflicts.
• Despite ongoing discussions about potentially bringing forward the next major power unit regulation change from 2031, Cadillac is pushing forward with its 2029 engine, prioritizing getting its own unit on the grid "as soon as possible."
• For its 2026 debut season, the team acknowledges it will likely be behind aerodynamically initially but expects a rapid development rate to start competing with other teams as the season progresses.
• Performance will be measured by on-track competitiveness and moving up the grid, not by arbitrary points targets, reflecting a long-term outlook for the project.

What's next:

The immediate focus is on pre-season testing in Bahrain, where the team will gather crucial data on its new car after a shakedown-focused test in Barcelona. The car's definitive black, white, and chrome livery, inspired by Cadillac's high-performance V-Series, has been revealed, with a "special name" for the chassis to be announced in the coming weeks. The team's progress in 2026 will be a key indicator of its infrastructure and development capability ahead of its planned powertrain transition.