Cadillac is set to make a grand entrance into Formula 1 in 2026, but the buzz today is all about the roar of their newly-developed engine prototype. General Motors president Mark Reuss recently confirmed that their first power unit (PU) prototype has come to life, marking a significant milestone in their journey towards their official team debut.
Back in 2023, when the FIA opened the floor for new teams to express their interest in joining Formula 1, Andretti Global stood out by announcing its partnership with General Motors. Initially, there were some hurdles, as Formula One Management (FOM) was not entirely enthusiastic about a team led by Michael Andretti. However, the prospect of bringing GM on board as a power unit supplier was appealing enough to grant approval once Andretti stepped back, with Cadillac taking the lead as team owners.
The introduction of GM’s in-house power units is set for 2029, which makes the development of a working prototype even more exciting for the racing world. Reuss, during a press briefing ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, shared that Cadillac had successfully fired up its first engine prototype last week. This development has been documented, with images of the power unit being tested on a bench, signaling impressive progress considering the official PU facility in North Carolina will only be ready by 2027.
Several elements of the Cadillac team’s preparations are moving forward simultaneously. The team has been putting in extensive hours in the wind tunnel, while the chassis production has begun. Moreover, the team is expanding as more personnel are added to the project, working across various streams to ensure everything runs smoothly when the 2026 season kicks off.
Cadillac’s launch in Miami was not just a glitzy affair but part of the larger rollout strategy. Graeme Lowdon, team principal, compared the appeal of joining the Cadillac F1 to the allure of ‘a good cake’—irresistibly tempting and rewarding.
GM’s venture into Formula 1 with Cadillac is creating waves, and the recent success of their power unit prototype is just the beginning. As the countdown to 2026 continues, the racing community watches with bated breath to see how Cadillac’s ambitious plans unfold on the global stage.
