The Americanization of Formula 1 takes on an additional dimension. After several discussions for several years, despite the strong reluctance of the other teams, tired of having to share the cake with a newcomer, the entry of General Motors (GM) into the F1 circle has finally been accepted. “An agreement in principle” has concluded, announced on Monday, November 25, Formula One, the company that organizes the F1 world championship on behalf of the American group Liberty Media.
The American automotive industry giant is expected to field an eleventh team on the grid starting in the 2026 season, under the banner of its prestigious Cadillac entity. He will join the only American team, MoneyGram Haas, which does not shine sportingly and does not have any American drivers.
“We are only scratching the surface of what we can achieve in the United States. “We want to make sure that F1 is present three hundred and sixty-five days a year.”exhibited in World in 2023 Stefano Domenicali, president of Formula One.
A great connoisseur of motorsports, who has lived in Florida for twenty years, the French driver Sébastien Bourdais was also delighted with this prospect: “The arrival of GM would definitively establish F1 in the United States. »
In fashion on the other side of the Atlantic, thanks to the Netflix documentary series Drive to surviveF1 is committed (well) to conquering the American market, in particular thanks to the organization of three races, in Texas, Miami and Las Vegas, temple of entertainment.
An own engine by 2028
Despite the concordant interests and unwavering support of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), through its Emirati president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, GM suffered an initial refusal in January.
The point of contention lay in the personality of Michael Andretti, associated with the candidacy project through his Indycar team, Andretti Global. In September, this figure in motorsports in the United States – he is the son of Mario Andretti, a legend of the discipline – retired from his company so that the agreement could materialize. He will not have any official position in the organization chart of this eleventh team – when his father will have the role of ambassador –
In particular, Michael Andretti did not want GM to design its own engine. It had intended to partner with Renault, which will eventually abandon its engine in 2026, against the wishes of Formula One and its owner, Liberty Media.
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