General Motors has announced a deal to join the Formula 1 World Championship under the Cadillac brand, marking the first new team to enter the grid since 2016. The automaker confirmed that it has reached an agreement in principle with Formula 1 to debut the Cadillac F1 team in the 2026 season.

The news comes after months of talks between GM and Formula 1, with the organization's CEO, Greg Maffei, praising the partnership as a valuable addition to the sport. As part of the deal, GM will also become an engine supplier, although it remains unclear whether the company will develop its own power unit or partner with an existing manufacturer, such as Ferrari.

The move is seen as a strategic play by GM to showcase its technology and design capabilities to a global audience. By leveraging advanced electrification, powertrain, software, and internal combustion engine technology developed through its F1 program, GM aims to drive innovation in the automotive industry and accelerate its push towards a more sustainable future.

The Cadillac brand, in particular, stands to benefit from the increased exposure, with the F1 team serving as a platform to highlight its luxury and performance credentials. The partnership is also expected to generate significant brand awareness and interest, particularly among a diverse international audience.

In a notable development, Mario Andretti, the last US F1 champion, has joined the team's board as a director, bringing his wealth of experience and expertise to the table. Andretti's involvement is likely to be instrumental in shaping the team's strategy and competitiveness in the highly competitive F1 landscape.

The addition of a new team to the grid is expected to have a positive impact on the sport as a whole, with Maffei suggesting that GM's entry could bring "additional value and interest" to Formula 1. The move is also seen as a vote of confidence in the sport's growing popularity and appeal, particularly in the US market.

As the automotive industry continues to evolve, with a growing focus on electrification and sustainability, GM's entry into Formula 1 marks a significant milestone in the company's transformation. By leveraging the technological advancements and innovations developed through its F1 program, GM is poised to drive progress in the industry and cement its position as a leader in the electric vehicle market.

With the 2026 season still two years away, much remains to be seen in terms of the team's competitiveness and performance. However, one thing is clear: GM's entry into Formula 1 marks a significant turning point for the sport, the automotive industry, and the company itself.