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Cadillac has reaffirmed its intention to introduce its own Formula 1 power unit in 2029, despite ongoing discussions over a possible move away from the V6 format in the years that follow.
The American team joined the F1 grid this year as the championship’s 11th entrant, beginning its first campaign with Ferrari power units. But Cadillac has consistently framed that arrangement as an opening step rather than a final destination, with the long-term ambition to become a full works operation through its own engine programme.
Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac owners TWG Motorsports, made clear that the team’s current development target remains unchanged. Speaking to media including RacingNews365, he said: “We’re on track for a V6 power unit in 2029.”
That position is significant because FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has suggested a new engine direction for 2031 based around V8 power units, an idea that has already drawn support from several teams. For Cadillac, however, the potential arrival of a later V8 formula does not appear to weaken the case for building a V6 first.
Towriss indicated that General Motors would be willing to take on both challenges if the regulatory path leads that way. “There’s also talk of a V8 coming later as well, and I think as GM has gone on the record, we’d be very happy to build a V8 engine as well,” he said. “And so, a lot of work, a lot of negotiation across the power unit manufacturers left to do, and we’ll see what happens.”
The Cadillac update arrives amid broader scrutiny of Formula 1’s power unit direction, including debate over near-term changes. For more on the evolving regulatory picture, see our explainer on the 2027 F1 regulation changes approved by the FIA.
Current power units have drawn criticism from drivers, prompting talks over possible adjustments for 2027. One proposal under discussion would shift the balance to a 60/40 split in favour of the combustion engine over electrical output, compared with the current 50/50 ratio.
Ferrari, Cadillac’s current engine supplier, is understood to be apprehensive about such a change. Towriss urged restraint, stressing that any modification must be properly evaluated before being pushed through.
“With respect to the 2027 engine, it’s a work in process,” he said. “There’s a lot of work to do.”
He added: “The main thing is that, while time is of the essence, we can’t go too fast. It’s very complex. There’s a lot of modelling work that needs to be done to understand what these changes can achieve on track for the drivers without reopening homologation or doing too much to the chassis as well.”
For Cadillac, the message is measured but firm: its works-engine ambition is alive, its 2029 target remains intact, and it is prepared for whatever direction F1’s next power unit debate ultimately takes.
He’s a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.
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