The highly anticipated entry of General Motors (GM) into Formula 1 in 2026 under the Cadillac banner continues to take shape, and a surprising ally may help propel America’s newest team to the grid: Ferrari. Mario Andretti, now a director of GM’s F1 project, has confirmed that Ferrari is the preferred power unit supplier for the team’s debut season.
A Ferrari-Driven Start for Cadillac in F1?
With GM planning to develop its own power unit by 2028, the team needs an interim solution for its first two seasons. According to Andretti, Ferrari has emerged as the top choice.
“That’s what we’re talking about,” Andretti told NBC News. “That’s not definite yet, but that’s the objective. And that’s the preference.”
Andretti also revealed that no talks are underway with alternative suppliers, signaling a strong intent to finalize a Ferrari deal. If confirmed, Cadillac would replace Sauber—soon to become Audi’s works team—in Ferrari’s customer lineup. Ferrari currently supplies engines and gearboxes to Haas and Sauber, with Sauber’s departure freeing up capacity for a new partner.
Andretti’s personal history with Ferrari, including racing for the Scuderia in the 1970s and early 1980s, adds a layer of nostalgia and credibility to the potential collaboration.
“My history with Ferrari, and my relationship with Mr. Ferrari — all of it plays, plays tremendously,” Andretti said. “It will be best of all worlds.”
Colton Herta: The Leading Candidate for a Seat
The buzz around Cadillac’s F1 entry extends beyond engines to drivers. Colton Herta, a rising star in IndyCar and a driver under Andretti Autosport, is reportedly a frontrunner for one of the team’s two seats. Herta, 24, has had his sights set on F1 for years and nearly joined AlphaTauri for the 2023 season but fell short of the FIA’s Super License requirements.
Now, with GM’s backing and a solid 2025 IndyCar campaign under his belt, Herta could be poised to become the first American driver in F1 since Logan Sargeant.
“[Herta’s] definitely one that’s considered,” said Andretti. “I think you have to keep those options open, since it’s going to be a whole next season where we’re not going to be players.”
Other Driver Options in the Mix
Herta isn’t the only name being floated for Cadillac’s F1 debut. The team will likely also consider experienced drivers who may be available by 2026. Valtteri Bottas, Daniel Ricciardo, Kevin Magnussen, and Zhou Guanyu are just a few potential candidates, depending on how their contracts and performances play out over the next two years.
Andretti emphasized that part of his role at Cadillac involves identifying top talent—both behind the wheel and in the technical department.
“GM is looking to tap off of my experience and what I see — selection of driver talents and even technical talents,” Andretti explained.
What’s Next for GM and Cadillac?
Securing a Ferrari power unit is just one piece of the puzzle for GM’s ambitious F1 project. The team will also need to establish its facilities, finalize its engineering team, and develop a competitive chassis to meet the 2026 regulations. With Mario Andretti lending his expertise, GM hopes to make a strong entry and begin its journey toward becoming a serious contender.
The team’s plans mark a historic moment for American motorsport, with Cadillac’s entry being the first major U.S.-backed F1 effort in decades. Whether powered by Ferrari or its own engines down the line, the project has the potential to shake up the F1 grid while bringing fresh American talent to the global stage.