Cadillac Enters Formula 1: Introducing GM Performance Power Units with TWG Motorsports
TWG Motorsports and General Motors announced the launch of GM Performance Power Units LTD. This new venture marks Cadillac’s strategic move towards becoming a "full works" team—developing both Formula 1 vehicles and power units by the decade's end.
Industry expert Russ O’Blenes will be the CEO of this new enterprise, which will craft powertrains for the Cadillac Formula 1 team, which is expected to debut in 2026.
Boasting over three decades of experience in motorsports engineering, O’Blenes currently serves as the director of the GM Motorsports Propulsion and Performance team. His transition into this new role adds significant expertise to GM and TWG Motorsports’ team of pioneers, establishing a top-tier technological foundation for Cadillac’s Formula 1 aspirations.
"We are thrilled to appoint Russ to this crucial position," stated Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports. "His vast knowledge and leadership are essential as we establish the groundwork for Cadillac’s Formula 1 ambitions. Alongside Team Principal Graeme Lowdon, they are set to redefine performance and innovation standards in racing."
O’Blenes’ prosperous career includes developing powertrains for championship-winning racing teams and acclaimed production vehicles. He also spearheaded the GM Performance and Racing Centre in Pontiac, Michigan, and led the commercialisation of GM’s eCrate initiative, catering to performance car builders and electric vehicle enthusiasts.
"Russ’s extensive background across numerous championship racing series and his profound technical acumen, including leading our hybrid IMSA Cadillac and Corvette C8.R engines, are exemplary," remarked GM President Mark Reuss. "With Formula 1, we aim to showcase GM’s engineering and technological prowess globally, and Russ is the perfect leader for the Power Unit team tasked with this mission."
Development and testing of the team's Formula 1 prototype engine technology are already in progress. The engineering of the F1 power unit will utilise and enhance GM’s expertise in electrification, hybrid technology, sustainable fuels, high-efficiency internal combustion engines, advanced controls, and software systems.
A dedicated Performance Power Units LTD facility is slated to open near GM’s Charlotte Technical Centre in 2026.
“I am immensely excited to spearhead the creation and leadership of the team that will deliver an American-built F1 power unit to the grid,” O’Blenes expressed. “GM PPU is actively expanding its team and recruiting across all business areas.”
Until the GM engines are race-approved, the Cadillac Formula 1 Team will use Ferrari power units.
TWG Motorsports represents the latest growth of TWG Global’s racing division, signalling the Group's commitment to applying its transformative growth strategy to the global racing scene. TWG Motorsports owns and operates Andretti Global, Wayne Taylor Racing, and Spire Motorsports and established the Cadillac Formula 1 team in 2024 in partnership with General Motors.
General Motors (NYSE: GM) is propelling the future of transportation with advanced technology for safer, smarter, and lower-emission vehicles. GM’s brands, including Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC, offer a comprehensive range of innovative gasoline-powered cars and the industry’s broadest spectrum of EVs as we transition to an all-electric future. For more information, visit GM.com.