The possibility of Formula 1 expanding to an 11-team grid by 2026 is growing as momentum gathers around General Motors (GM) joining the sport.
Initial Andretti Global Partnership with Cadillac
The Andretti Global project, initially involving GM through its Cadillac brand, was denied a spot on the grid due to uncertainty about future power unit plans. While a customer deal with Renault had been arranged for the interim, the project awaited the potential development of a GM-produced power unit. Earlier this year, F1 stated its willingness to expand the grid by 2028 if GM committed to its powertrain project.
Leadership Shift and GM’s Growing Role
Last month, Michael Andretti stepped down as CEO of Andretti Global. According to RACER, this has given GM greater influence over the F1 project, making their participation more likely.
Although details about power unit supply for the first two years remain unclear, sources indicate that discussions about approving the team as a new entrant for 2026 are advancing. An announcement about the next steps could be made as early as the end of this month.
Progress Towards the 2026 Grid
The GM-backed team has been working on the development of a 2026-spec car at a satellite facility in Silverstone. They are confident the car will be ready for the grid in just over a year if approved. FIA has already confirmed that the project meets all the criteria for a new entrant after evaluating potential expansion teams a year ago.
Support from Mercedes’ Toto Wolff
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff expressed optimism about GM’s involvement, noting that the manufacturer’s direct entry as a team owner would bring more value than the earlier plans under Andretti.
“I think if a team can add to the championship, especially if GM decides to join as a team owner, then it’s a different story,” said Wolff. “And as long as it adds value—meaning we are growing the popularity of the sport, we are growing the revenue of the sport—there’s no team that would oppose it.”
Wolff clarified that teams do not have the authority to block such a decision.
“So, I put my hopes in that. Nobody from Andretti or Andretti Global or any of those names ever came to me to explain what the add-ons would be. But they don’t need to because the teams don’t decide. It’s the commercial rights holder together with the FIA. We don’t have a say.”
