GM Execs Sit Down With FIA To Discuss Future Of F1 Engine Tech

General Motors is finally joining the F1 grid in 2026, flying under the Cadillac banner as it strives to put the competition to shame in global open-wheel racing. While new regulations are already in place for next year, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) invited representatives from its competing manufacturers to sit down and discuss the future of F1, including execs from GM and its Cadillac F1 racing program.

Mark Reuss, President of GM along with Russ O’Blenes, CEO of GM Performance Power Units, attended the meeting alongside representatives from the likes of Ford, Honda, Mercedes, and more. The purpose of the meeting was to examine the future of F1 power unit regulations, focusing on maintaining affordability for its competitors, all while keeping the sport sustainable in the long term.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem led the meeting, discussing all manner of important topics with those in attendance. Discussions included reducing the cost of research and development of F1 compliant powertrains, resilience in a fluctuating global economy, simplifying the F1 power units, along with considerations of road car relevance, sound, and audience appeal moving forward. Additionally, while electrification is still very much at top of mind, it’s no longer a priority, although the possibility of going all-electric isn’t being shelved completely.

All parties, including GM, committed to the 2026 regulations that attracted them to the sport in the first place. They will continue to discuss the future technical direction of F1 with the FIA, and will prioritize the development and implementation of 100-percent sustainable fuel.

“Whichever engine roadmap is decided upon, the FIA is supportive of the teams and PU manufacturers in ensuring containment of costs of R&D expenditure, taking account of environmental considerations and acting in the best interests of the sport and the fans,” stated the FIA in a press release.

The FIA is considering the possibility of swapping from the series’ current turbocharged V6 powertrains and returning to loud V10 engines in the future. As a reminder, GM is joining F1 competition in 2026 with a new Cadillac-backed effort. The team will be a full-works team once GM begins building its own power units in 2028. Until then, Ferrari will provide power units for the Caddy team.