Will Cadillac work with an old F1 acquaintance for the power units?

General Motors faces a complicated task: the US carmaker has indicated to the FIA that it will become an engine supplier to Formula 1 from the '28 season - specifically to Andretti's team. But GM has never built F1 engines before, so the company will be starting from absolute zero. Perhaps the help of an old acquaintance could provide a solution.

GPblog has in fact learned that General Motors - which wants to bring the Cadillac brand name into F1 - is considering seeking external help. This would be from Ilmor, a company of British origin, which has a rich history in motorsport. In the 1990s, Ilmor itself was active in Formula 1 as an engine supplier. Thus, its power unit could be found in the back of the Sauber and Pacific. Eventually, Ilmor was acquired by Mercedes.

Rich history in motorsport

After that acquisition, however, there was a split-off called Ilmor Racing, whose co-founder Mario Illien and Penske Racing are the two owners. This company has assisted Honda in the development of its F1 engines in recent years. Moreover, Ilmor is a partner of Chevrolet in IndyCar. Chevrolet is part of General Motors.

Meanwhile, a representation of Ilmor has been spotted in the F1 paddock. GPblog has inquired with the company about the increasing rumours. "I can't comment at all on Cadillacs F1 ambitions," responds Paul Ray, one of the company's two CEOs. So there is no denial or confirmation in his words.

Andretti and General Motors are still waiting to see if Formula 1 will allow them on the grid. In any case, General Motors has already made it very clear that the adventure in F1 will only be undertaken alongside Andretti.