TWG Motorsports and General Motors (GM) Formula 1 Power have taken a monumental step towards reshaping the motorsport landscape with the formation of GM Performance Power Units LLC, a newly established company set to spearhead Cadillac’s ambitious Formula 1 journey. This venture marks a significant move towards making Cadillac a “full works” Formula 1 team—designing and manufacturing both vehicles and power units by the end of the decade.
Industry veteran Russ O’Blenes has been named CEO of GM Performance Power Units LLC, bringing a wealth of experience to the project. O’Blenes, currently serving as the director of Formula 1 Power GM Motorsports Propulsion and Performance, will oversee the development of cutting-edge powertrains for the Cadillac Formula 1 team, which is slated to debut on the grid in 2026.
A Proven Leader Takes the Helm
With over three decades of engineering and motorsport experience, Formula 1 Power Russ O’Blenes is no stranger to high-performance vehicle development. His storied career includes leading the GM Performance and Racing Center in Pontiac, Michigan, as well as pioneering the commercialization of GM’s eCrate initiative—a program designed for performance car builders and EV enthusiasts. O’Blenes has also played a pivotal role in the development of championship-winning powertrains and award-winning production vehicles.
“We’re delighted to welcome Russ to this pivotal role,” Formula 1 Power said 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.”
GM President Mark Reuss echoed these sentiments, emphasizing O’Blenes’ invaluable contributions to the company’s motorsport endeavors. “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 Formula 1 Powerwe’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,” Reuss said.
Cadillac’s Formula 1 Ambitions
The creation of GM Performance Power Formula 1 Power Units LLC underscores Cadillac’s commitment to competing at the highest level of motorsport. Development and testing of the team’s Formula 1 prototype engine technology are already underway. This initiative leverages GM’s extensive expertise in electrification, hybrid technology, sustainable fuels, high-efficiency internal combustion engines, advanced controls, and software systems.
The project also aligns with the global push towards sustainability in motorsports, as Formula 1 aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. GM’s investment in sustainable fuels and hybrid technology will undoubtedly play a crucial role in meeting these goals.
Plans are already in motion to establish a dedicated facility for GM Performance Power Units LLC near GM’s Charlotte Technical Center, which is set to open in 2026. This facility will serve as the nerve center for engineering and developing Cadillac’s Formula 1 power units.
“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 O’Blenes. “GM Performance Power Formula 1 Power Units is currently ramping up its team and is hiring in all areas of the business.
Collaboration with TWG Motorsports
TWG Motorsports, the racing division of TWG Global, is a key partner in this endeavor. The group’s expansion into Formula 1 underscores its commitment to applying its transformative growth strategy to global motorsport. TWG Motorsports already owns and operates renowned teams such as Andretti Global, Wayne Taylor Racing, and Spire Motorsports.
In 2024, TWG Motorsports, in partnership with Formula 1 Power General Motors, founded the Cadillac Formula 1 team. This collaboration reflects a shared vision of pushing technological and performance boundaries in racing. Until GM’s proprietary engines are approved for racing, the Cadillac Formula 1 team will utilize Ferrari power units. However, once GM’s engines debut, Formula 1 Power the team will be well-positioned to compete as a fully integrated “works” team, a status reserved for those who design and manufacture both their cars and engines.
A Historic Step for American Motorsports
Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 Power marks a historic moment for American motorsports. While American teams and drivers have participated in the sport before, the creation of a full works team with American-built power units is a rare and ambitious undertaking. This move positions Cadillac and GM as global innovators and reinforces their commitment to showcasing American engineering on the world stage.
Formula 1 Power often regarded as the pinnacle of motorsport, represents a unique platform for automakers to demonstrate their technological prowess. Formula 1 Power The sport’s demanding technical regulations and intense competition require a level of engineering excellence that few can achieve. Cadillac’s participation will not only enhance the brand’s global visibility but also allow GM to push the boundaries of innovation in electrification, sustainability, and performance.
The Road Ahead
As the countdown to Cadillac’s Formula 1 debut in 2026 continues, the focus remains on building a strong foundation for long-term success. The partnership between TWG Motorsports and General Motors is already bearing fruit, with development efforts progressing rapidly. The establishment of GM Performance Power Units LLC and the appointment of Russ O’Blenes as CEO signal a clear commitment to excellence and innovation.
Cadillac’s Formula 1 journey is more than just a racing endeavor; it’s a testament to the brand’s ambition and vision for the future. By combining cutting-edge technology with a passion for performance, Cadillac is poised to make a lasting impact on the world of motorsport.
