This partnership should help Andretti qualify with Formula One to be added to the grid.
In addition, GM aims to gain expertise with hybrid powertrains, and sustainable fuels.
Cadillac is already present in other racing events, such as the 24 hours of Le Mans.
In a partnership with Andretti Global, Cadillac could power Formula One cars starting in the 2028 season.
General Motors, the parent company of Cadillac, is now registered with the FIA as a Formula One power unit manufacturer, which will allow its engines to be installed in F1 cars.
Specifically, GM engines and the Cadillac branding will be applied to cars raced by Andretti Global, an American racing team headed by Michael Andretti, a successful former racing driver.
The deal is not completely finalized since Andretti Global still needs to qualify with Formula One in order to get its position on the starting grid, something it has had trouble doing before.
Since the regulating body seems to favour teams that manufacture their own powertrains rather than relying on external suppliers, there is hope this partnership will increase Andretti Global’s chances of participating.
In return for its help, General Motors aims to further its expertise on hybrid powertrains, as well as sustainable fuels and high-efficiency combustion engines, along with software systems and advanced controls.
Cadillac is already a habitual of the automotive racing world since the premium brand is currently involved in the IMSA and WEC divisions, for which it recently developed a new 5.5L V8 engine. This powertrain earned it championship honours at the IMSA Grand Touring Prototype season as well as a podium finish at the 24 hours of Le Mans earlier this year.
The company says the lessons it learns with these sponsored racing programs are applied to its V-Series models, which were introduced 20 years ago now.
Since Andretti Global might still be refused access to the races, it is possible that Cadillac will try to find other teams that might be interested in its F1 powertrain, although it hasn’t said anything along those lines at the moment.
