GM Launches F1 Engine Division, Names Russ O'Blenes as Chief Executive

GM Launches F1 Engine Division, Names Russ O'Blenes as Chief Executive

By Michael Anderson

January 10, 2025 at 01:57 AM

General Motors has established GM Performance Power Units LLC, a dedicated company for developing and manufacturing its Formula 1 power unit for the Cadillac F1 team. Russ O'Blenes has been appointed as CEO, moving from his position as director of GM's motorsports propulsion and performance team.

Blue and red racing car

Blue and red racing car

Cadillac will enter F1 in 2026 initially using Ferrari power units while developing its own. A new power unit facility is under construction in Charlotte, North Carolina, scheduled to open in 2026. The team aims to become a full works operation by 2030.

The company is a partnership with TWG Motorsports, the racing division of TWG Global. O'Blenes will work alongside recently appointed team principal Graeme Lowdon to lead the program.

O'Blenes brings significant motorsport experience, having:

  • Overseen engine development in IMSA
  • Led the development of the GM Performance and Racing Center in Pontiac, Michigan
  • Managed hybrid powertrain programs for Cadillac and Corvette C8.R

"I am truly excited to have the opportunity to build and lead the team that will bring an American built F1 power unit to the grid," O'Blenes stated. The company is currently expanding its team and recruiting across all departments.

GM confirms development and testing of the F1 power unit is already underway, with the program expected to advance the company's broader engineering capabilities.

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