F1 News: Zak Brown Teases GM’s Imminent Entry to Formula 1
F1 News: Zak Brown talks about GM’s impending F1 entryMay 4, 2024. Miami Gardens, Florida, USA. Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen (1) takes the lead going into the first turn during a Formula 1 sprint race at the Miami International Autodrome.
Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images / Peter Casey-Imagn ImagesMcLaren CEO Zak Brown has spoken about the possible entry of an 11th team in F1, General Motors-backed Andretti Cadillac. He hinted that an announcement regarding the American team\’s imminent entry into the sport is expected soon.
A rumor in the F1 paddock yesterday suggested that GM would play a more prominent role in the partnership with Andretti, following the rejection of Andretti Cadillac\’s bid to join F1 by Formula One Management (FOM) in January.
The FIA accepted Andretti Cadillac’s application to enter motorsport’s top class, but FOM – which had to carry out a financial review before the team would be allowed to participate in F1 in 2026 – rejected the application. Today, rumors suggest that Andretti’s proposal, in partnership with GM, has been accepted by FOM, thanks to the management changes at Andretti Global and GM playing a larger role in the partnership than before.
However, it is not yet certain that the identity of the team will remain the same. Brown said the inclusion of another American team in Formula 1, alongside Haas, and with Ford partnering with Red Bull Powertrains, would be a significant boost for the sport. Speaking to Sky Sports F1 about GM’s potential entry as the 11th team, he said:”General Motors has a great history in motorsport. “So I think it’s great, more competition.
Something that the fans are going to be excited about. They like a new Grand Prix, a new power unit, a new race team, new drivers, so I think it’s going to be interesting.”I know I’ve heard rumors. Nothing has been said officially, but we’re partners with GM on the IndyCar team, so I’ve met them here and they seem to have big smiles on their faces.
So an announcement is probably imminent, but it’s going to be exciting to have another manufacturer join our sport alongside Audi.”Brown added that GM’s arrival will raise F1’s profile in the US, further fueling the sport’s rapid growth. He said:”We need to remember that Ford is coming.”So the U.S. actually has two manufacturers, which is great.
They will make the sport more known, I hope there will be sponsors who will invest in the sport.”It would be great to see an American driver again. I think it will take time.”Despite F1 having previously rejected its bid, Andretti Global has continued to push forward with its Formula 1 programme. The team has expanded its operations at its Silverstone facility and has been actively recruiting staff, including bringing in seasoned professionals such as former F1 veteran Pat Symonds.
The speculation suggests that the rapid progress of the discussion is mainly by Michael Andretti, which is the main withdrawal, and suggests that Group 1001 CEO Dan Touris has taken over from Andletti Global. Thursday, Toulis was found in the Las Vegas Grand Prix paddock, discussing the potentially GM input Formula 1.
The new American team, which is due to receive GM powertrains in 2028, will need an interim engine solution for the first two seasons, 2026 and 2027. Teams are free to negotiate with any manufacturer, but F1 rules require the smallest customer to supply engines if the suppliers can’t reach an agreement.
This rules out Audi and Red Bull power train options, leaving Honda and Ferrari as the likely options, with the teams reportedly in talks with all potential suppliers.
