Formula 1 set to welcome 11th team from 2026 season - Reports

Formula 1 is on the verge of welcoming an 11th team to its prestigious grid, with General Motors (GM) reportedly set to make its debut in 2026. The American automotive giant has reached a pivotal agreement with Formula One Management (FOM), according to sources cited by different media reports.

This development marks a significant shift in the ongoing saga surrounding Andretti Global's bid to join F1, as GM is now poised to enter as a works team. Andretti Global, led by Michael Andretti, had partnered with GM in January 2023 as part of their push to secure a spot on the grid. While the FIA approved Andretti's bid last season, FOM rejected it, citing concerns about competitiveness and the bid’s overall value to the sport.

However, the allure of having one of the world’s largest car manufacturers involved proved too compelling for F1, leading to the current agreement with GM. The partnership between Andretti and GM appears to have fractured, with GM reportedly pursuing its F1 ambitions independently.

A huge blow to Andretti!

This move is seen as a decisive blow to Andretti Global’s hopes of joining the sport, given that GM’s involvement was a cornerstone of their bid. Sources suggest the deal between GM and FOM will be announced in the coming weeks, with the automaker set to supply power units starting in 2028.

F1 declined to comment officially on the matter, maintaining its characteristic secrecy around such high-stakes negotiations. However, insiders indicate GM has been collaborating with F1 behind the scenes for some time to finalize its entry.

For Michael Andretti and his family, this development is a crushing setback. Having tirelessly pursued an F1 entry for years, Andretti’s recent step back from daily operations at Andretti Global further clouds the team’s future. Losing GM as a partner might signify the end of their F1 ambitions, with experts dubbing it the "final nail in the coffin."