Ferrari has confirmed a significant multi-year deal with Andretti Formula Racing, which will allow the Cadillac-branded team to receive power units as they prepare to join Formula 1 in 2026. This partnership will last for the team’s initial two seasons, during which they will rely on Ferrari's expertise before developing their own power units by 2028.
"Ferrari N.V. today announces a multi-year agreement starting from 2026 with Andretti Formula Racing LLC, regarding the supply of power unit and gearbox to the racing team led by TWG Global and General Motors, subject to Andretti Formula Racing LLC receiving written confirmation from the FIA – F1 that its entry to the 2026 FIA Formula One Championship has been accepted and approved," Ferrari noted in its official statement.
The announcement comes after Formula 1 provisionally accepted the Cadillac entry last month, a step that paves the way for the manufacturer’s return to the sport. General Motors will operate the team under the Cadillac banner, marking a significant shift in the racing landscape. Previously, there were efforts to enter F1 under the Andretti name that faced various rejections.
In preparation for this ambitious project, GM has appointed Graeme Lowdon, a veteran in motorsport management, as team principal. His extensive experience with teams such as Virgin, Marussia, and Manor is expected to help navigate the new team through its formative years. "Graeme Lowdon is an excellent choice to lead this new venture," said a spokesperson from GM regarding the appointment.
Ferrari, who currently supports Haas in F1, will return to powering two customer teams, while Sauber will transition to Audi’s power starting in 2026. This move comes in tandem with the growing popularity of Formula 1 in the United States, a market that Ferrari sees as strategically essential for the brand. Commenting on this partnership, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur expressed enthusiasm, saying, "It's great to see the commitment of another American team, backed by one of the most highly respected marques in the motor industry, at a time when Formula 1 is increasing in popularity in the United States."
He highlighted the significance of this collaboration: "We are delighted therefore that we will be supplying the team with our power unit and gearbox as the basis of this technical collaboration. It means we will continue to have two 'customer teams' in the championship with all the benefits this brings in terms of technical development within Ferrari."
The historical context of this deal is crucial. Mario Andretti, board director and world champion in 1978, had first mentioned a power unit partnership with Renault prior to the recent management changes at Andretti Global. However, given Renault's departure from F1’s power supply landscape and its pivot toward Mercedes for its Alpine team, the landscape had shifted significantly, necessitating a new partnership.
As fans and analysts await further confirmation from the FIA regarding Andretti's entry, this partnership between Ferrari and Cadillac symbolizes a potential turning point in American motorsport, showcasing Ferrari's commitment to fostering new talent in a glamorous racing landscape. With the preparation for the upcoming seasons in full swing, all eyes will be on how the Cadillac team, powered by Ferrari, will adjust to the demands of F1 racing.
Looking ahead, the establishment of Cadillac in F1 could further enhance the competition within the sport, especially as they develop their own power unit in the coming years. With increased American interest and investment in Formula 1, this partnership will likely shape not only the future of Cadillac but also the broader narrative of American teams in the global motorsport arena.