Formula 1 made a significant splash over the weekend in Las Vegas as it concluded its three races on US soil. This event brought forth a major announcement – GM is set to join the sport with its Cadillac brand, creating an 11th team on the grid. This development not only welcomes another American team but also one of the world's largest automakers.

GM's F1 Adventure: A New Era for American Racing

GM's Partnership with TWG Global

The deal between GM and TWG Global, which operates Andretti Global, is a crucial step. GM's announcement regarding the agreement made no specific mention of Michael Andretti but did confirm his father, 1878 Formula 1 champ Mario Andretti, would serve as a director on the team's board. This partnership brings a rich heritage and expertise to the table. Andretti expressed his excitement, stating, "My first love was Formula 1 and now – 70 years later – the F1 paddock is still my happy place. I’m absolutely thrilled with Cadillac, Formula 1, Mark Walter, and Dan Towriss. To still be involved at this stage of my life — I have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming."This partnership will have a significant impact, with operations set up in Fishers, Indiana; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Warren, Michigan. It also means more F1 jobs will be created on US soil. Additionally, there will be some operations in the UK in Silverstone.

The Road to F1

The journey to GM's entry into F1 was not without its challenges. The rumor mill was in full swing during the Grand Prix weekend, and it took some time for the deal to come together. There were involvements from the US Congress and the Department of Justice at one point. However, perseverance paid off, and Cadillac is now headed to F1.This is a major win for everyone involved. It shows the growing influence of American automakers in the global racing scene and adds a new dimension to Formula 1.

The Customer Team Phase

For the first two seasons, Cadillac will start as a customer team. This allows them to gain valuable experience and learn the ins and outs of the sport. But in 2028, once GM has had the time to develop its own power unit, they will become a full works team. This progression is an important part of their journey and will enable them to make a more significant impact on the track.Getting a major US automaker like GM on the grid is a huge boost for Formula 1. It brings new excitement and opportunities, and it further cements the sport's global appeal. As an F1 fan, this is an exciting development that we can all look forward to.