The Cadillac F1 team is a done deal, set to join the international open wheel racing series in 2026. General Motors itself is registered as a power unit manufacturer, making the Caddy effort a “full works” team. Today, The General announced the advent of its power unit-focused company, GM Precision Power Units LLC, which will have motorsports veteran Russ O’Blenes at the helm as CEO.
O’Blenes has over three decades of experience in motorsports. He’s currently director of the GM Motorsports Propulsion and Performance team, and previously led development at the GM Performance and Racing Center in Pontiac, Michigan. His experience extends beyond powertrain development for the racetrack, too – he’s also lent his expertise to the development of production vehicles.
“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,” said GM President Mark Reuss in a press release. “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 Precision Power Units is on track to open a dedicated facility in 2026, which will be located near the GM Technical Center campus in Charlotte. Prototypes of the Cadillac F1 power units are already being tested.
“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,” said Russ O’Blenes. “GM PPU is currently ramping up its team and is hiring in all areas of the business.”
TWG Global will field both Cadillac F1 entries, headed by team principal Graeme Lowdon and CEO Dan Towriss.
Until GM Precision Power units is up and running and its engines are approved for competition, the Cadillac F1 team will source its power units from Ferrari.
Comments
Working in that program would be the pinnacle of an engineering career.. dream and sigh….
So Chevrolet doing the heavy lifting for Cadillac, as usual.
Good for them. I didn’t think they would develop the powertrain in-house based on what they’ve done in Indy car so I applaud their effort and stand corrected.
This program will be a huge technological leap from any racing powertrain they’ve done before in both design and manufacturing precision. I wish them all the best and it’ll be fun to follow their progress.