Two icons of the American automotive world, Andretti Global and General Motors’ Cadillac, will team up to race in Formula 1, the world’s most prestigious open-wheel motor racing series.
Thursday’s shocking news comes at a time when Formula 1 and Cadillac are making a big push in new markets, following in the footsteps of their famous father Mario Andretti, Michael to conquer F1 with the American team.・The move is consistent with Andretti’s ambitions. Cadillac is aiming to win his 24 Hours of Le Mans race this year with a new prototype sports car, and Chevrolet his branded Corvette Z06 GT3 race car is a private vehicle that his team will be driving around the world in 2024. will be available to race on.
Still, Formula 1 is a giant step forward as the most expensive and technologically advanced motorsport in the world. US involvement in Formula 1 in recent decades has been sporadic, with few US brands involved. Ford Motor Company was the then Jaguar brand from 2000 to 2004 (under the control of American Bobby Rahal in 2001) and was the last American F1 rival, Mario Andretti in 1978. was the last American to win his F1 championship. There are currently no American drivers. series race.
But the time seems ripe for both GM and Andretti. F1 has seen increased interest in the United States in recent years, with three Grands Prix scheduled for 2023 in Austin, Miami and Las Vegas. Additionally, the series has championed electrified racing with a commitment to zero-emission racing by 2026. This is in line with GM’s zero zero zero mantra (zero crashes, zero emissions, zero traffic jams), with Cadillac taking the lead as his GM’s first race. A global all-electric brand.
“General Motors is honored to team up with Andretti Global for this historic moment in racing,” said GM President Mark Reuss in a statement. “Both Cadillac and F1 have increased global appeal. Our brand has more than a century of motorsport pedigree and we are excited to see the opportunity to bring our distinctively American innovation and design to F1. I am proud of what I got.”
The partnership did not announce a date to join the sport, but said it had begun a formal application process with Formula 1’s FIA body. He said he is trying to compete as soon as possible.
Michael Andretti, CEO of Indianapolis-based Andretti Global, said in a statement: “We feel very strongly that we are the right fit to be the new team in Formula 1 and we are looking forward to the series. “We are proud to have GM and Cadillac together as we pursue this goal.”
Andretti Global participates in six series around the world, including Formula 1’s distant cousin, the FIA’s Formula E Electric Series. Two wins with American drivers Colton Herta and Alexander Rossi. The Andretti team has his five Indy 500 wins.
Andretti’s interest in Formula 1e has been a constant source of discussion in the IndyCar paddock in recent years, with Hertha’s name consistently in conversation as the dynamic young American driver. Andretti and his GM last paired up in his 2012 IndyCar Series when the team was powered by Chevrolet engines. Andretti currently uses Honda engines in IndyCar.
The Formula 1 partnership is an IndyCar Series race, separate from the Detroit Grand Prix, currently title sponsored by Chevrolet. The last time Formula 1 raced on the streets of Detroit was in 1988.
Cadillac’s move into Formula 1 adds to its ambitious plans to win this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, the brand’s first participation in the world’s most prestigious endurance race since 2002. . The Sportscar Championship series since 2017 and the all-new groundbreaking hybrid V8 Cadillac V-LMDh will be in global competition this year in the IMSA and FIA World Endurance Championships.
Henry Payne is an automotive reviewer for The Detroit News. Find him at hpayne@detroitnews.com or on Twitter @HenryEPayne.