Andretti's Goal: GM's Agreement with Ferrari for Engine Units
General Motors will join the Formula 1 grid in 2026 with a team known as GM/Cadillac, but this does not necessarily mean that the cars will be entirely American-made.
Mario Andretti, who has been appointed to the team's board of directors, stated that the GM/Cadillac team is hoping to strike a deal with Ferrari for their power units.
"That's what we're discussing," Andretti told NBC News on Tuesday. "It's not confirmed yet, but that's the goal. And that's the preference."
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While GM/Cadillac will have a spot on the grid starting in 2026, General Motors is not currently a power unit manufacturer for F1 and is aiming to begin providing them in 2028. In the meantime, the team will have to use engines from another company.
At 84 years old, Andretti spent a portion of his illustrious racing career driving for Ferrari. The Italian-American driver won 12 Grands Prix and one F1 drivers' championship in 1978.
"My history with Ferrari, and my relationship with Mr. Ferrari -- all of it plays a significant role. There are many factors here that make a lot of sense. It will be the best of both worlds."
Andretti's involvement ensures that there will be some Andretti influence in the General Motors team, after a previous attempt by his son Michael Andretti was rejected by F1. Michael Andretti has since stepped back from Andretti Global, and GM was officially approved on Monday.
Mario Andretti also hinted at the team's driver strategy in an interview with NBC News.
"From our perspective, I believe the initial plan would be to have one experienced driver -- nationality is not a factor -- and then a young American talent," he said. "These are the current objectives."
