Revolutionize the F1 World: Cadillac’s Ambitious Plan to Become a Full-Works Team by 2030
General Motors Takes a Giant Leap into Formula 1 with New Power Unit Entity
In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the motorsport world, General Motors has announced the creation of GM Performance Power Units LLC, a new business entity dedicated to helping the Cadillac Formula 1 team become a "full works" team by the turn of the decade.
A New Era for Cadillac in F1
This ambitious development marks a significant milestone in the American automaker’s journey into F1. Unlike other branded teams, Cadillac aims to build its own F1 cars from scratch, just like Ferrari or Mercedes. This bold move requires a deep understanding of the sport, and GM has chosen the right man for the job.
Meet Russ O’Blenes, the Mastermind Behind GM Performance Power Units
Leading the new entity is Russ O’Blenes, a 30-year racing engineer veteran with a wealth of experience in various championship racing series. O’Blenes has previously led the GM Performance and Racing Center in Pontiac, Michigan, and was instrumental in the commercialization of the eCrate project for performance car builders and EV enthusiasts.
A Proven Track Record
I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with O’Blenes on several occasions, most recently at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2023 and 2024. His technical expertise and leadership skills are undeniable, making him the perfect choice to steer the ship in the right direction.
A New Facility on the Horizon
The automaker expects to open a brand-new Performance Power Units facility near GM’s Charlotte Technical Center in 2026, where O’Blenes and the GM PPU team will be based. This state-of-the-art facility will be the hub of Cadillac’s F1 operations, where the team will develop and manufacture the power units that will propel the team to success.
A New Era for Cadillac in F1
Cadillac’s foray into F1 has been marked by drama and controversy, but with the creation of GM Performance Power Units LLC, the automaker is poised to make a real impact on the sport. With O’Blenes at the helm, the team is ready to demonstrate GM’s engineering and technology capabilities on a global stage.
What’s Next?
Stay tuned for more updates on Cadillac’s F1 journey. Got a tip? Email us at [email protected].
Image: Russ O’Blenes has been named CEO of GM Performance Power Units LLC, which will build powertrains for the Cadillac Formula 1 team that will be on the grid in 2026.
