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Cadillac Formula 1 Power Units Venture Announced With Russ O’Blenes As CEO For New Initiative
TWG Motorsports and General Motors have announced a new venture, GM Performance Power Units LLC. This initiative aims to establish Cadillac as a "full works" team in Formula 1 by the decade's end. The company will focus on building both vehicles and power units for Formula 1, with plans to have Cadillac on the grid by 2026.
Russ O’Blenes, an industry expert with over three decades of experience in motor racing engineering, has been appointed as CEO of this new venture. He is currently the director of GM Motorsports Propulsion and Performance. O’Blenes will lead the development of powertrains for the Cadillac Formula 1 team.
Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports, expressed enthusiasm about O’Blenes' appointment. "We’re delighted to welcome Russ to this pivotal role," he stated. "His expertise and leadership will be instrumental as we lay the foundation for Cadillac’s Formula 1 journey." O’Blenes will work alongside Team Principal Graeme Lowdon to set new performance standards in the sport.
O’Blenes has a notable career in powertrain development for championship racing teams and award-winning production vehicles. He led the GM Performance and Racing Center in Pontiac, Michigan, and was involved in commercializing GM's eCrate initiative for performance car builders and EV enthusiasts.
The development of Formula 1 prototype engine technology is already underway. This project will enhance GM's expertise in electrification, hybrid technology, sustainable fuels, high-efficiency internal combustion engines, advanced controls, and software systems. A dedicated facility near GM’s Charlotte Technical Center is planned for 2026.
GM President Mark Reuss praised O’Blenes' technical skills: "Russ brings vast experience from many championship racing series, and has outstanding technical expertise." Reuss emphasized that GM aims to showcase its engineering capabilities globally through F1.
Future Plans
The Cadillac Formula 1 Team will initially use Ferrari power units until GM's engines receive approval for racing. TWG Motorsports recently expanded its racing division under TWG Global's growth strategy. It owns Andretti Global, Wayne Taylor Racing, and Spirit Motorsports.
O’Blenes expressed excitement about leading this American-built F1 power unit project: "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." The team is actively hiring across various business areas.
General Motors continues to drive transportation innovation with advanced technology aimed at creating safer, smarter vehicles with lower emissions. Their brands include Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC, offering a wide range of gasoline-powered vehicles and electric vehicles as they transition towards an all-electric future.
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