Can Andretti-GM make it onto the Formula 1 grid? General Motors has now found a crucial supporter in fellow American automotive giant Ford, which is eager to see the Andretti-GM partnership join them in Formula 1.
Andretti is making significant efforts to break into the Formula 1 grid, bolstered by General Motors, which aims to become a power unit manufacturer for the sport. However, their bid to become the 11th team faced a significant setback when Formula One Management rejected it.
Ford, already set to enter the series by teaming up with Red Bull Powertrains for the new 2026 power units, also wants to see Andretti and GM in the paddock. Ford Performance global director Mark Rushbrook expressed support for Andretti-GM’s push to join F1 and hinted that the GM power unit could be available to other teams. “We go racing to compete against other manufacturers, and there’s already a lot of manufacturers in Formula 1, but we’d certainly love to welcome General Motors into the sport,” said Rushbrook. “They have that ability to come in as a power unit manufacturer independent of any specific team, they could partner with any of the existing 10 teams. So we welcome them, for sure. And same for Andretti. We certainly don’t have anything against Andretti.”
Andretti’s path to the F1 grid has been further complicated by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s recent suggestion that Andretti should consider purchasing an existing team. This came with a proposal to raise the current $200 million anti-dilution entry fee to $600 million.
Undeterred, Andretti is continuing its preparations, which include the opening of a new base at Silverstone and the signing of former F1 chief technical officer Pat Symonds. Michael Andretti emphasized the depth of their commitment and collaboration with GM, stating, “People will not understand until we show them the effort that’s been put in on both sides. This is going to be rival with the Ferraris and the Mercedes, you know, the effort that’s being put in with such a great company like GM.”
The target for Andretti-GM’s entry into the F1 grid is set for 2026.
While obstacles remain, the support from Ford and the steadfast commitment from Andretti and GM signal a serious effort to carve their place within Formula 1. The 2026 grid could indeed see a new American powerhouse.
