The difference between now and F1's January rejection of Andretti is that with General Motors, it has exactly what it wanted all along.

The Formula 1 grid is bracing for a fresh arrival in 2026, as GM and Cadillac finally secured a place on motorsport’s most elite stage. This comes after their initial bid was rejected in January, with F1 confirming an agreement in principle with the American automotive giant during the Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend.

General Motors is edging toward securing a place on the Formula One grid as early as 2026 when the field could expand to 11 teams.

United States car maker General Motors is closing in on an entry to Formula 1 as a team owner in 2026. The move comes out of the failure of the American Andretti organisation’s attempt to gain a place on the F1 grid this year.

Andretti could not get approval from F1 to enter. But the situation changed in September when he reduced his role with his namesake organization.

American automaker General Motors (GM) is reportedly close to securing a spot on the F1 grid as the 11th team starting in 2026. This move comes after the failure of the Andretti organization's bid earlier this year,