Andretti F1 bid partner General Motors ‘looking at’ options for entering the sport as engine manufacturer

Andretti have been very public about their plans to enter Formula 1. But they’ve encountered their own set of problems. The Americans have proved very stubborn, though, and have even brought on board a classic engine manufacturer in the form of Cadillac (General Motors). As they aim to join as an 11th team, there have been concerns that the $200M entry fee, to cover the revenue dilution is too low. So, it’s even been touted that teams want to increase that fee to as much as $600M.

Their public comments and responses to statements from F1 figures don’t seem to have helped their cause. However, one thing is undeniable, General Motors’ involvement is a big boost to their bid. But there have even been question marks raised around this, with some prominent figures alleging it is just a badging exercise. At least, initially, Andretti will likely use Renault engines, as the GM engines won’t be ready for 2025 when they are currently targeting to enter F1.

However, unlike Ford, another American manufacturer, General Motors are seeking much larger technical involvement in the sport. They also want to enter as a power unit manufacturer – separate from the Andretti bid, from 2027. Speaking to Autosport, their motorsport executive director, Eric Warren said: “GM is motivated to be involved in the car and design, the whole process. It’s not white-labeling an engine. The interaction between Cadillac and Andretti will be throughout the vehicle.”

Read More: Mario Andretti demands that the Andretti-Cadillac F1 bid “better” be approved

General Motors looking at PU manufacturer entry by ‘2027 at the earliest’

One thing is obvious: Andretti will not use General Motors (or Cadillac) engines when they first enter F1. Instead, it’s likely Andretti will use Renault engines, and then probably make the switch to GM, once they officially enter the sport as an engine manufacturer. Eric Warren further explained: “Looking beyond 2026, our view is that we want to get racing and making sure we are competitive and then look in 2026 at what makes the most sense.”

When asked if GM would be constructing their own engine, he replied: “We could, of course. We can’t by rule because the 2026 power unit manufacturers have been declared, so we would be looking at the earliest in ’27. It is something we are looking at. We are looking at power units. Andretti has a power unit partner with which we can get racing quickly.”

However, while he admitted that General Motors have the ability to build the engine ‘100% in-house’, he could not say whether they would go that route. This makes you wonder: Would GM’s entry as an engine supplier take place even if Andretti fail to convince F1? After all, the Americans face stiff competition, and there are only going to be two extra spots. But they at least seem to have all that is required.

In case you missed it:

• Christian Horner presents yet another complaint against Andretti’s F1 entry, says it will be ‘difficult to accommodate’ them 
• Andretti Cadillac appoints former Renault F1 technical director in its bid for F1 entry

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