As reported previously by LWOS, General Motors are close to becoming F1’s 11th team. Confirmation is expected in the near future, with the American company committing to producing its own engines in 2028. Before then, they will join the 2026 grid as a customer team.
A matter of time until General Motors join the grid
On paper, news of GM’s arrival to Formula 1 is something of a surprise. After all negotiations between Andretti and Liberty Media were at a standstill until recently.
However, the increased involvement of General Motors – in addition to the activities of key players behind the scenes – has tipped the scale.
Although the 2024 season is almost complete, the US brand has been preparing to enter F1 for several years.
Andretti have already built the necessary infrastructure to compete in 2026 – including a wind tunnel that has been in operation for some time.
Earlier in the year, Andretti officially opened a facility in Silverstone. Hundreds of personnel have already been working on this project, and recruitment has only intensified in recent months.
GM F1 entry close to being confirmed
Speaking during FP3 in Las Vegas, McLaren’s Zak Brown essentially confirmed that General Motors are incoming:
“We’ve not been officially told anything,” Brown told Sky Sports.
“They seem to have big smiles on their face, so I believe an announcement is probably imminent.
“It will be exciting to have another manufacturer alongside Audi in our sport.”
As stated on numerous occasions over the last eighteen months, Andretti have worked under the assumption their F1 entry bid would be accepted.
Therefore, all the necessary foundations are in place for the US team to be ready for the 2026 regulation changes.
New variables to consider
To be clear, General Motors are now at the forefront of this entry bid. GM’s involvement has been instrumental in advancing talks with Liberty Media.
With that said, the facilities and infrastructure put into place by Andretti will still be utilised.
In this sense, the reported agreement between General Motors and FOM (F1 Management) is a win-win for all parties.
Confirmation is expected in the near future, which would cement the expansion of the F1 grid for 2026.
The driver market is another area to be impacted by this development.
Drivers currently without a seat for next season will be positioning themselves as candidates for the imminent General Motors entry.
As ever, LWOS will provide regular updates on all aspects of this developing story.
