Cadillac takes their latest step on the path to the F1 grid

The incoming Cadillac Formula 1 team announced Thursday its latest step towards joining the grid as a full works operation.

TWG Motorsports and General Motors announced the formation of GM Performance Power Units LLC, a new company dedicated to the production of F1 power units. The stated goal for the new company is to put Cadillac on the path towards becoming a works operation by the end of the decade.

F1 announced in November that the Cadillac team had been approved to join the grid starting in 2026.

GM named Russ O’Blenes the CEO of the new company. O’Blenes is currently the director of the GM Motorsports Propulsion and Performance team.

“We’re delighted to welcome Russ to this pivotal role,” said Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports. “His expertise and leadership will be instrumental as we lay the foundation for Cadillac’s Formula 1 journey. Together with Team Principal Graeme Lowdon, they will lead the team in setting new standards of performance and innovation in the sport.”

“Russ brings vast experience from many championship racing series, and has outstanding technical expertise, including spearheading our hybrid IMSA Cadillac and Corvette C8.R engines that are proven winners,” said GM President Mark Reuss. “In F1, we’re going to demonstrate GM’s engineering and technology capabilities on a global stage, and Russ is the right choice to lead the Power Unit team that will make it happen.”

The Cadillac team is set to join the F1 grid for the 2026 season as a customer operation, using Ferrari power units until their own power unit program is operational. GM is planning to open a dedicated facility for this new venture near their Charlotte Technical Center in 2026.

“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,” said O’Blenes. “GM PPU is currently ramping up its team and is hiring in all areas of the business.”