Former McLaren F1 driver Michael Andretti has improved his chances of getting his team proposal approved for the 2026 series after securing the backing of GM sub-brand Cadillac.

But unlike fierce US car rival Ford, which works with Red Bull Powertrains mainly through commercial ties, GM aspires to a significant technological presence in F1.

GM executive director of motorsport Eric Warren – formerly the group’s NASCAR program chief – said this could lead to an F1 engine program, which is under review.

In an exclusive interview with Autosport, Warren said: “GM has an incentive to be involved with the car and the design, the whole process. It’s not about white labeling the engine (this could be a comment directed at Ford).

“The interaction between Cadillac and Andretti will be present throughout the car.”

Should Andretti-Cadillac’s “strong application” to the FIA ​​lead to a 2026 entry – Hitech and Panthera Asia are also interested – the team will run the customer engine for the first season.

Following the long-term partnership between Andretti and Wayne Taylor Racing, the agency now has a strong connection with listed 2026 powerplant maker Honda through the Acura brand.

However, with Red Bull now developing its own F1 engine, doubts have been cast over the Japanese company’s top-flight future, which would make Renault the most reliable source of supply for Andretti.

#10 Wayne Taylor Racing Acura ARX-06: Michael Andretti

Photography: Michael L. Levitt / motorsport pictures

But GM will be looking at its own engine plans for the 2027 campaign, Warren explained: “Looking beyond 2026, our point of view is we want to be in the race and make sure we’re competitive, and then in 2026 we look at what is The most important feeling.

“Of course we can (when asked if GM would build its own engine).

“We can’t go by the rules because the power unit manufacturer for 2026 has already been announced, so we’ll be looking in 27 at the earliest.

He added: “That’s something we’re working on. We’re working on the power unit. Andretti has a power unit partner through which we can quickly get into the race.”

Cadillac has built the 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine for its LMDh prototypes through the General Motors Performance and Racing Center in Pontiac, Michigan.

Asked whether F1 engines would also be done in-house, Warren said: “I think it’s very difficult for the manufacturers to say that the engine is 100 per cent in-house. They always have technical partners they work with. But I think we have capabilities that are significant for this.

“I think we can do it, but whether we choose to do it and with what elements remains to be determined.”

The 2026 engine regulations significantly ditched the expensive and complex motor-generator unit – the Heat, paving the way for Volkswagen Group member Audi to adopt an engineered engine program and much of its investment in the Sauber team.