General Motors (GM) has created a power unit division ahead of the prospective Cadillac entry into Formula One.
Confirmed:
- Dedicated facility to open near GM’s Charlotte Technical Center in 2026
- Russ O’Blenes, current director of GM’s motorsports propulsion and performance team, named chief executive of the venture
Context:
It was announced last November that GM had reached an agreement in principle to join the Formula One grid from 2026. The entry will be under the automotive giant’s Cadillac brand, but the team will use a customer supply of Ferrari engines until GM is capable of producing its own engines.
This venture, named GM Performance Power Units (GM PPU), will contribute towards Cadillac becoming a full works team by the end of the decade, though an exact year for the debut of the GM Formula One engine has not yet been given.
Comment:
“We’re delighted to welcome Russ to this pivotal role,” said Dan Towriss, chief executive of TWG Motorsports, partners of GM.
“His expertise and leadership will be instrumental as we lay the foundation for Cadillac’s Formula One journey. Together with team principal Graeme Lowdon, they will lead the team in setting new standards of performance and innovation in the sport.”
O’Blenes added: “I am truly excited to have the opportunity to build and lead the team that will bring an American built F1 power unit to the grid. GM PPU is currently ramping up its team and is hiring in all areas of the business.”
Coming next:
The GM entry into Formula One is not yet fully confirmed, but it would be a surprise to see the process disrupted now. Entering in 2026 will mean that GM should be subject to the new Concorde Agreement and therefore a new anti-dilution fee higher than the current US$200 million, which will appease teams. According to BBC Sport, GM and TWG will pay an anti-dilution fee of US$450 million to secure the entry.
Go deeper:
- F1 viewership analysis: Has the series cracked the US TV market?
- F1 team finances roundup: Is the budget cap working four years in?
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