Some projects are born quietly, far from the spotlight, and for that very reason they end up attracting more attention than expected. Cadillac has only recently arrived in Formula 1, still a Ferrari customer team and still searching for its first points. Yet behind the scenes, it is building something that could redefine its role within the paddock. It is an ambitious and risky project, one that looks far beyond the present. And according to Dan Towriss, it is progressing faster than anticipated.
Cadillac accelerates: GM power unit ahead of schedule
Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac’s Formula 1 project, has confirmed that the power unit being developed in-house by General Motors is already ahead of schedule. Its debut is planned for 2029, a target that the team now considers entirely realistic:
“In fact, the project is ahead of schedule,” he stated.
“At the moment, we are planning to field the Cadillac power unit to compete in 2029.”
For now, Cadillac is racing with Ferrari engines, thanks to the agreement that enabled its entry into Formula 1. However, the long-term objective has always been clear: to become a full works team with proprietary technology. Towriss reiterated this point without any ambiguity:
“In terms of intellectual property, yes, everyone has to bring their own intellectual property, right. So Ferrari has its own, and with the GM Performance Power Units group… we are developing our own proprietary technology.”
Two parallel paths, two separate worlds: a Ferrari customer today, a manufacturer tomorrow.
Evolving regulations and an investment looking beyond 2030
The GM project has been designed around the current regulations, which are expected to remain in place until 2030. This means Cadillac could have just two seasons with its own power unit before a potential new regulatory shift in 2031.
Towriss remains cautious on the subject:
“It is possible that the regulations will change before 2031. It is possible that they will not change before 2031.”
This uncertainty makes the investment even more daring. However, for Towriss, there is one clear priority: getting the Cadillac power unit onto the grid as soon as possible.
“Regardless of funding, I think it is important to see a Cadillac power unit on the grid as soon as possible. That is really the main objective… If there are ways to accelerate the timeline, we will do it.”
The team continues to closely monitor regulatory discussions, but it has no intention of slowing down its development programme.
Cadillac may have only just entered Formula 1, but it is already thinking about the future with a determination that stands out. The power unit project is progressing faster than expected, the ambitions are clearly defined, and the desire to become a full constructor is now a statement of identity. The year 2029 may seem distant, but in Formula 1, revolutions often begin exactly like this: quietly, long before anyone fully notices.
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