Formula 1 expands grid as General Motors to become the 11th team in 2026
New York TimesNOV 2024
GM's Cadillac to Join F1 as 11th Team in 2026
Above: The F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas at Las Vegas Strip Circuit on Nov. 23, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Image copyright: Clive Rose/Contributor/Formula 1 via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
The addition of an iconic American manufacturer like GM brings unprecedented value to F1. It promises significant technological innovation and expands the sport's growing US presence, with three Grand Prix races already on the calendar. GM's commitment to becoming a full-work team demonstrates its serious long-term investment to competing at the highest level of motorsport.
Narrative B
The new team's entry poses significant financial and competitive challenges, as splitting the prize money eleven ways will impact existing teams' revenues. Additionally, building a competitive F1 operation from scratch could take up to a decade of heavy investment, and there are concerns about the team's ability to be immediately competitive against well-established competitors.