General Motors will partner with Andretti Global on a bid to compete in Formula One, the companies said Thursday.
If successful, GM's Cadillac brand will compete with an Andretti racing team based in the U.S. The Andretti Cadillac team intends to submit an expression of interest to the FIA, Formula One's governing body, the companies said.
"It's been well-documented that Andretti Global has a desire to enter the Formula One World Championship," Michael Andretti, CEO of Andretti Global, told reporters.
"GM and Andretti both have a strong history in racing, and I believe that together we have a lot to offer," Andretti said, calling the partnership "what I believe is going to be an amazing pairing."
GM President Mark Reuss said GM's effort draws on Cadillac's V-series performance line, along with its engineering and expertise in such areas as combustion, battery technology and turbocharging.
"General Motors and our brands have a long history in motorsports and a deep passion to race," Reuss told reporters. "Our racing pedigree has been forged on some of the greatest tracks and races around the world. Our hope is to add F1 to our competition portfolio."
Cadillac intends to compete its new hybrid Cadillac V-LMDh in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and FIA World Endurance Championship, GM said. General Motors and Andretti have partnered before, with Chevrolet in the NTT IndyCar Series in 2012, with nine wins in two seasons, the companies said.
"Today is the first step in what we hope to be the historic entry of General Motors into F1," Reuss said. "Never happened in our history. It's very, very exciting for us to be with Andretti, and if given the opportunity, GM and Cadillac will compete with the very best at the very highest levels with passion and integrity that will continue to elevate the sport."
