Cadillac Accelerates F1 Power Unit Project with Major Recruitment Drive
General Motors' Cadillac F1 power unit project, GM Performance Power Units, has launched a significant recruitment campaign, seeking a wide array of personnel for its ambitious Formula 2 entry. This move signals a critical step in Cadillac's goal to become a full factory team by the end of the decade.
Why it matters: Cadillac's commitment to developing its own F1 power unit by 2029 underscores the brand's serious intent to compete at the highest level of motorsport. This recruitment drive is a tangible sign of progress, building the foundation for an American-built F1 engine and solidifying General Motors' growing presence in the sport.
The big picture: Cadillac, under TWG Motorsports, plans to enter F1 initially as a customer team using Ferrari power for three years. However, the ultimate vision is to debut its own power unit in 2029. To achieve this, GM established GM Performance Power Units earlier this year, and development of prototype engine technology is already underway. A dedicated facility near GM's Charlotte Technical Centre in Concord is expected to be operational by 2026.
The details:
- Key Hires: GM is actively seeking candidates for a variety of critical roles, including:
- Project Manager Lead: To oversee the delivery of essential assemblies and systems for high-performance motorsport and automotive programs, coordinating cross-functional teams.
- ERS Chief Engineer and ERS Systems Engineer: Focused on Energy Recovery Systems development.
- Performance Engineer Manager.
- 3D CFD Lead Engineer.
- Broader Recruitment: Beyond engineering, the hiring drive encompasses 22 posted jobs, including facilities administration roles such as a facilities manager and health and safety engineer, along with IT and accounting positions.
- Scale of Ambition: The postings on Motorsport Jobs indicate Cadillac is looking to fill approximately 40 positions at its F1 team headquarters near Silverstone, in addition to roles at its Fishers, Indiana facility.
- Leadership: GM Performance Power Units is led by CEO Russ O’Blenes, a veteran with over 30 years of motor racing experience, who expressed excitement about building an "American-built F1 power unit."
- FIA Endorsement: The FIA officially approved GM as a power unit supplier from 2029, with President Mohammed Ben Sulayem praising GM's dedication to innovation, sustainability, and competition, aligning with F1's global expansion and broader fan base goals.
What's next: With recruitment now in full swing and facility development progressing, Cadillac will continue to ramp up its technical team and infrastructure in preparation for its 2029 power unit debut. The focus will be on attracting top talent to meet the rigorous demands of Formula 1 engine development, signaling a new era for an American manufacturer in the sport.