FORMULA 1 ABU DHABI GP LEWIS HAMILTON RUMOURS

Cadillac shares exclusive update on its Formula 1 engine project

19:59, 16 Jan

byLudo van Denderen

Cadillac is not waiting for the possible introduction of V8 engines in Formula 1 before the American manufacturer introduces its power units to the sport. Work is already well underway on an engine that complies with the new ‘26 regulations, Mario Andretti confirmed in an exclusive conversation with GPblog.

There has been uncertainty for some time about whether the engines introduced this season will indeed be in use in Formula 1 until the end of 2031 (as agreed). Some figures support phasing out these power units earlier and switching to V8s; for example, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. 2029 is being mentioned as a season in which the V8 could make a return.

Cadillac doesn’t want to wait for the V8s

There were whispers that Cadillac would want to wait for that and therefore wasn’t working on its announced in-house engine. “Oh, trust me, they've been working on it (the current engine, ed.)," Andretti said, who is part of the board of directors as an adviser of the American team.

“They've been working on it, no question. And when they enter officially, they're going to be ready. I have a lot of confidence in them. I really do.”

Photo: Cadillac

No confirmed timeline for Cadillac yet

Cadillac has not officially announced from which season it plans to supply its F1 team with an in-house-built engine.

Andretti cannot provide clarity on that. He explained: “It's not clear. They're talking about ’28 or ’29. And that could change.”

"I'm not privy to all the absolute contracts that are in place. I don't really want to know, quite honestly. But again, they know what they're doing, as far as how they're going to progress into this thing."

In any case, Cadillac is making its Formula 1 debut this season. That will be with the experienced drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez. They are driving a car with a Ferrari engine. Reportedly, it is not as powerful as the Mercedes power unit, although Andretti isn’t worried about that.

GPblog's F1 Paddock Update

Want to stay up-to-date with what happens in the F1 paddock? Then GPblog's F1 Paddock Update video is the perfect way to do it. Subscribe to GPblog's YouTube channel and turn on notifications to never miss the latest episodes.