As if there weren’t enough storylines intertwining during the race weekend in Las Vegas, various media reported on Friday that a new team might appear on the grid in 2026. While Formula 1 previously rejected a collaboration between Andretti and General Motors, the organization seems to be open to an American racing team operating exclusively under the GM banner. According to Zak Brown, an official announcement about this eleventh team is not far off.
Like a bolt from the blue! After a long time of hearing nothing about Andretti’s ambitions to establish a Formula 1 team, reports suddenly emerged on Friday that a new team will be added in 2026 after all. General Motors – the American automotive giant – would then be welcome on the grid, provided it also supplies its own engines from 2028 onwards.
Official Announcement is a Matter of Time
Despite the media attention, the existing Formula 1 teams are still in the dark. “We haven’t heard anything about an eleventh team,” Zak Brown told Sky Sports. “But everyone involved in the project seems to have a big smile on their face. So, an official announcement is probably coming soon.” The McLaren CEO expressed his curiosity about what General Motors has to offer. “It will be exciting to see another new manufacturer in the sport alongside Audi,” he concluded.
The promise of a new engine supplier – and General Motors’ strong reputation – has likely swayed Formula 1. After all, the collaboration with Andretti was previously rejected. However, since Michael Andretti recently stepped away from the project, the interest of the premier class has increased. In the new structure, General Motors, presumably under the Cadillac brand name, takes the lead. That being said, the facilities and infrastructure set up by Andretti will still be used.
