Formula 1 has officially confirmed plans to add an 11th team to the grid in 2026, with General Motors (GM) and its Cadillac brand leading the effort.

The team will start as a customer, using engines from other suppliers, but GM plans to build its own engines starting in 2028. The project will be based at Andretti Global's facility in Silverstone, which has been a key part of this bid.

This decision comes after a year of discussions between F1, GM, and its partners. Earlier in 2024, F1 had decided not to expand the grid, but GM and Cadillac worked to prove their commitment and show how they could benefit the sport. Their progress convinced F1 to approve their application in principle.

The journey to this agreement hasn’t been without challenges. Michael Andretti, a former F1 driver, had earlier led the effort to bring a new team to the grid and even though the FIA approved his application, F1’s commercial rights holders rejected it, saying it didn’t bring enough value.

Andretti Global continued developing its plans and even opened a factory, but tensions with F1 grew, partly due to Andretti’s aggressive approach. In September, Andretti stepped back, and Dan Towriss took over leadership. Under Towriss, the team and GM worked together to create a stronger proposal, leading to this new opportunity.

If the entry is finalized, it will be the first time in 10 years that F1 has more than 20 cars on the grid. Cadillac would also become the second US-licensed team, joining Haas in representing American interests in the sport.