General Motors and TWG Motorsports have announced the formation of a new company that will build powertrains for the Cadillac F1 project, the team that could potentially join the grid in 2026.
GM Performance Power Units LLC will contribute towards Cadillac becoming a “full works” team by the end of the decade, with Russ O’Blenes having been named as CEO of the venture.
O’Blenes – currently director of the GM Motorsports Propulsion and Performance team – has more than 30 years of motor racing experience, and his signing follows on from the news in early December that former Marussia Sporting Director Graeme Lowdon has been appointed Team Principal of the project.
“We’re delighted to welcome Russ to this pivotal role,” commented Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports. “His expertise and leadership will be instrumental as we lay the foundation for Cadillac’s Formula 1 journey.
“Together with Team Principal Graeme Lowdon, they will lead the team in setting new standards of performance and innovation in the sport.”
O’Blenes added: “I am truly excited to have the opportunity to build and lead the team that will bring an American built F1 power unit to the grid. GM PPU is currently ramping up its team and is hiring in all areas of the business.”
GM President Mark Reuss commented: “Russ brings vast experience from many championship racing series, and has outstanding technical expertise, including spearheading our hybrid IMSA Cadillac and Corvette C8.R engines that are proven winners.
“In F1, we’re going to demonstrate GM’s engineering and technology capabilities on a global stage, and Russ is the right choice to lead the Power Unit team that will make it happen.”
GM have stated that development and testing of the team’s F1 prototype engine technology is already under way, while plans are in place to open a dedicated facility for Performance Power Units LLC near GM’s Charlotte Technical Center in 2026.
Prior to their own power units being ready, the General Motors/Cadillac F1 project has entered into an agreement with Ferrari that will see the Scuderia supply the team with power units and gearboxes starting in 2026.
READ MORE: Ferrari agree to supply General Motors F1 project with power units and gearboxes
It was confirmed in November that Formula 1 had reached an agreement in principle to support bringing GM/Cadillac as the 11th team in the field in the 2026 season.
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