Martin Brundle says he’s “actually happy” to see an eleventh crew becoming a member of Formulation One with on the verge of a 2026 entry into the game.
rejected Andretti’s bid in partnership with GM earlier this yr however with former boss Michael Andretti out of the image, a GM entry led by businessman Dan Towriss – the bulk shareholder of Andretti International – is about to affix for the season after subsequent.
An announcement from F1 following the Grand Prix confirmed the American crew GM/Cadillac, who’re set to be primarily based close to Silverstone within the UK and powered by Ferrari earlier than producing their very own engine, had been authorized forward of 2026.
New engine and chassis laws come into play in 2026 and it’s also the yr that Audi formally enters the game.
Sky Sports activities F1 broadcaster and ex-F1 driver Brundle stated on X: “With my F1 fan and TV commentator hats on I’m actually happy to see one other crew and two extra drivers on the grid, and one other producer becoming a member of.”
The transfer comes after F1 initially rejected the bid which was headed up by Andretti – owned by former F1 driver Michael Andretti, son of 1978 world champion Mario Andretti – earlier this yr. The Andretti identify has since been dropped from the proposal.
And whereas it’s understood that Mario will probably be handed an ambassadorial function within the mission, Michael is not concerned.
F1 stated in a press release on Monday evening: F1 stated: “Formulation 1 has maintained a dialogue with , and its companions at TWG International, relating to the viability of an entry following the business evaluation and choice made by Formulation 1 in January 2024.
“Over the course of this yr, they’ve achieved operational milestones and made clear their dedication to model the eleventh crew GM/Cadillac, and that GM will enter as an engine provider at a later time.
“Formulation 1 is due to this fact happy to maneuver ahead with this software course of and can present additional updates sooner or later.”
With my F1 fan and TV commentator hats on I’m actually happy to see one other crew and two extra drivers on the grid, and one other producer becoming a member of.
F1’s presence in america has elevated dramatically in latest seasons following the success of the game’s Netflix collection, Drive to Survive, in addition to the rising variety of races in America.
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formulation 1, stated: “Normal Motors and Cadillac’s dedication to this mission is a crucial and constructive demonstration of the evolution of our sport.
“We look ahead to seeing the progress and development of this software, sure of the complete collaboration and help of all of the events concerned.”
Nearly all of F1 groups have, beforehand, been against an eleventh crew coming into the game on the grounds it commercially diminishes their worth and earnings.
Talking earlier than the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff spoke concerning the prospect of an eleventh crew becoming a member of the grid and signalled his approval.
“I feel if a crew can add to the championship, significantly if GM decides to return in as a crew proprietor, that could be a totally different story,” he stated.
“And so long as it’s inventive, meaning we’re rising the recognition of the game, we’re rising the income of the game, then no crew will probably be ever in opposition to it. So I’m placing my hope in there.”
Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG International’s motorsport enterprise, commented: “We’re excited to accomplice with Normal Motors in bringing a dynamic presence to Formulation 1.
“Collectively, we’re assembling a world-class crew that may embody American innovation and ship unforgettable moments to race followers around the globe.
“We admire the FIA and FOM’s help of our software and their recognition of the worth we will convey to the championship.”
