A General Motors-backed Formula 1 entry, which initially began as a bid by Michael Andretti to get his eponymous team into F1 through buying Sauber and then a new entry as Andretti Global, morphed into a dual effort with GM and Cadillac last year. This got the green light from the FIA but was refused by Formula One Management. F1 rejected the proposed Andretti Cadillac team for 2026 despite GM's pledge to develop its own F1 engine by 2028. Andretti refused to give up and continued to build its prospective F1 programme, conducting extensive windtunnel work and making key hires. At the same time, pressure was exerted on F1 owner Liberty Media in the US. The most significant development was a combination of a top-level change at Andretti Global and Michael Andretti's decision to step back, along with GM's renewed commitment. Andretti's approach caused friction, but with Andretti Global now led by Dan Towriss, the impasse has been broken. While the original Andretti Cadillac name is expected to change and the Andretti name may have reduced prominence, GM and/or Cadillac branding is the likely outcome. It reflects a 'proper' GM team from the start and a key distinction from the initial rejection. It's not practical for GM/Cadillac to fast-track their engine development for 2026, so a customer deal is needed. Andretti previously had a deal with Renault that has expired. All this is likely to lead to the Department of Justice investigation being dropped as GM is no longer blocked from F1.

Key Developments in the GM-Andretti F1 Saga

Initial Bid and Evolution

The journey of a General Motors-backed Formula 1 entry started with Michael Andretti's bid to get his team into F1. First, there was an attempt to buy Sauber, and then a new entry as Andretti Global emerged. Last year, this transformed into a dual effort with GM and Cadillac. This initial push faced various rejections and challenges along the way.

It was a complex process that saw the FIA give the green light while Formula One Management refused to bless the entry. Despite GM's pledge to develop its own F1 engine by 2028, the proposed Andretti Cadillac team for 2026 was rejected. This led to Andretti's determination to continue building their F1 programme.

Continuous Efforts and Key Hires

Andretti didn't give up and opened a UK satellite base alongside their new US headquarters. They conducted extensive windtunnel work using the Toyota facility in Cologne, Germany. They also made significant progress in building and crash-testing a 2026 chassis and made several key hires, including the experienced Pat Symonds.

These efforts showed Andretti's commitment to making their F1 entry a success. They were determined to overcome the initial rejections and build a competitive team.

Pressure and Significant Changes

Pressure was exerted on F1 owner Liberty Media in the US. This included bringing Andretti's rejection to the attention of US politicians, which led to a Department of Justice investigation. The most significant change was a combination of a top-level change at Andretti Global and Michael Andretti's decision to step back. This allowed for the impasse to be broken.

These changes set the stage for a new era in the GM-Andretti F1 partnership. It showed that with the right leadership and commitment, the entry could move forward.

Future Prospects and Implications

The original Andretti Cadillac name is expected to change, and the Andretti name may have reduced prominence. However, GM and/or Cadillac branding is the most likely outcome, indicating a 'proper' GM team from the start.

It's not practical for GM/Cadillac to fast-track their engine development for 2026, so a customer deal is needed. This also means that the Department of Justice investigation may be dropped as GM is no longer blocked from F1. These developments have significant implications for the future of the GM-Andretti F1 partnership.