The 2024 Formula 1 season marks a significant turning point with new regulations, engines, and the addition of new teams, including Audi’s takeover of Sauber and Cadillac’s debut as the 11th team on the grid. General Motors (GM), under its Cadillac brand, will officially join F1, aiming to become a full works team by 2028. This transition will culminate in Cadillac developing and utilizing its own power units. Until then, Cadillac must source engines from another manufacturer for the 2026 and 2027 seasons, a decision that carries weight in shaping the team’s initial performance in the championship.
Current engine manufacturers, including Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull (with Ford), Honda, and Audi, will compete in 2026. While Alpine is stepping away from engine production and shifting to Mercedes units, Cadillac’s preferred option seems to be Ferrari. Racing legend Mario Andretti, a director on Cadillac’s F1 board, confirmed this ambition, stating in an NBC News interview, “That’s what we’re talking about. That’s not definite yet, but that’s the objective. And that’s the preference.” Andretti’s remarks highlight the team’s strategic considerations in selecting Ferrari, a manufacturer with a storied F1 history and consistent engineering prowess.
Ferrari engines present an attractive option for Cadillac, not only for their power and reliability but also for their historical performance and adaptability to evolving regulations. With the 2026 regulation overhaul, selecting a proven engine manufacturer could provide Cadillac with a competitive edge as they navigate the early years in F1. Additionally, the design and integration of the power unit into the car’s rear packaging will play a crucial role in the all-inclusive aerodynamic and mechanical performance of the vehicle. Cadillac’s development team is believed to have aligned its car design for 2026 with Ferrari’s engine architecture, suggesting a strategic synergy between the two entities.
Currently, Ferrari supplies engines to Sauber (set to switch to Audi engines in 2026) and Haas, potentially opening capacity to accommodate Cadillac. The decision underscores Cadillac’s long-term ambition and meticulous planning as they go on their Formula 1 journey.
