General Motors may be on the verge of joining the Formula 1 grid for the 2026 season and a very lengthy process.
The American manufacturer have partnered with Andretti Global, which has had huge success in North America while being competitive in IndyCar.
They have been pushing to become Formula 1’s 11th team for multiple years and may be at an advanced stage of talks with F1.
They originally bid to be on the grid for 2026, which was accepted by the FIA but rejected by Formula 1, who didn’t allow Andretti to join the grid previously.
Red Bull team boss Christian Horner commented that he has some concerns over the entry before Martin Brundle hit back after being shown a clip of Horner’s interview with Sky Sports F1.
Martin Brundle told Christian Horner not to ‘cry tears’ as he complained about aspects of GM’s potential entry
The arrival of GM into Formula 1 would allow for two extra cars on the grid, taking the total up to 22 and giving more competition.
Horner was concerned about the affect of GM being allowed to join the grid as it could reduce the prize fund across the grid.
The Briton also added that it may cause issues operationally at tracks such as Zandvoort in the Netherlands as the pit lane is very small.
Horner said: “We have absolutely no problem with seeing GM coming here, but we’re not paying for it. Smaller garages. So, operationally somewhere like Zandvoort, I mean, how does that work?
“But we got, as I say, no issue with them coming. We’d welcome them with open arms, but you don’t want to see the price diluted. So there will be that question of whose side of the cake does it come out of?”
READ MORE: What F1’s newest team could be called in 2026 after General Motors breakthrough
Brundle responded prior to qualifying for the Las Vegas Grand Prix and was adamant the GM arriving into F1 would help the sport and he isn’t concerned about the finances of Formula 1 teams.
He said: “I’m not going to cry any tears whatsoever about how much money Formula 1 teams will or will not have. There’s plenty of money floating around.
“I think it’s a good thing for Formula 1, another manufacturer. The whole point of disrupting this business for 2026 with the new cars, new power units, was to bring more manufacturers into the sport. We’ve lost Alpine, we’ve gained Audi, we’ve kept Honda, Red Bull Powertrains are there as well.”
The arrival of General Motors may open the door for an American driver
After the departure of Logan Sargeant earlier this season, there is no American on the grid despite their being three races in the country.
General Motors may want an American driver but there isn’t much young talent from America racing on F1’s junior ladder.
Nikita Johnson was very impressive across his dual campaign of GB3 and USF Pro 2000, but he is a long way below Formula 1 on the pyramid.
Colton Herta finally secured his super license and may be given a chance as he is racing for Andretti in IndyCar and winning races.
GM may present a good opportunity for Valtteri Bottas who will be leaving Formula 1 at the end of the year as Sauber are bringing on Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto.
Leave feedback about this