General Motors to join Formula 1 in 2026 as 11th team

Starting in 2026, a new set of sporting regulations won't be the only major change coming to Formula 1.

As reported by ESPN, Formula 1 has reached an agreement with General Motors to add an 11th team to the grid. It is likely to be branded as Cadillac, per ESPN.

There have been 10 teams on the grid since 2017, but with the growing popularity of Formula 1, expansion was inevitable at some point.

The team will join as a customer team in 2026, most likely using Ferrari engines and power units until it develops its own in-house power units by 2028. 

Who the drivers will be for Cadillac in 2026 remains up to speculation. It would make sense that the American outlet would want at least one American driver on the grid, with IndyCar's Colton Herta being a likely option, as he has been linked with a potential move to Formula 1 in the past. 

General Motors had been working with Andretti Global on a prospective F1 bid but was rejected because the bid wasn't deemed to add enough value to the sport. Tension also existed between Michael Andretti and F1 executives over Andretti's forceful campaign, but Andretti eventually stepped back his involvement in the project and handed over control to another majority owner.

Even though the 2026 Formula 1 season is still a long way away, it is shaping up to be a must-see season. New sporting regulations, new cars, 11 teams and 22 drivers is a recipe for a great season in two years' time.