GM Performance Power Units company formed to build Cadillac’s post-Ferrari F1 engines

TWG Motorsports and General Motors have formed a new company to build the future Cadillac Formula 1 team’s engines beyond its initial arrangement for a supply of Ferrari power units.

TWG is the majority owner of the team originally started by the Andretti organisation, which will make its F1 entry under GM’s Cadillac brand in 2026.

The venture between the team’s key backers is described in a Cadillac press release sent out on Thursday as putting the squad “on the path to being a ‘full works’” team “by the end of the decade”.

The new organisation will be known as GM Performance Power Units LLC, with Russ O’Blenes appointed CEO of the new engine company.

O’Blenes previously worked as the director of GM’s motorsports propulsion and performance team that has produced engines for Cadillac’s sportscar efforts, as well as those of Corvette.

“We’re delighted to welcome Russ to this pivotal role,” said Dan Towriss, TWG CEO.

“His expertise and leadership will be instrumental as we lay the foundation for Cadillac’s F1 journey.

Russ O'Blenes, CEO of GM Performance Power Units LLC

Photo by: General Motors

“Together with team principal Graeme Lowdon [announced in his new role last month], they will lead the team in setting new standards of performance and innovation in the sport.”

GM President Mark Reuss added: “Russ brings vast experience from many championship racing series, and has outstanding technical expertise, including spearheading our hybrid IMSA Cadillac and Corvette C8.R engines that are proven winners.

“In F1, we’re going to demonstrate GM’s engineering and technology capabilities on a global stage, and Russ is the right choice to lead the power unit team that will make it happen.”

A new facility for the GM PPU is set to be established close to GM’s technical Centre in Charlotte, North Carolina in 2026.

“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,” said O’Blenes.

“GM PPU is currently ramping up its team and is hiring in all areas of the business.”

The Ferrari deal to supply Cadillac is expected to conclude ahead of the 2028 F1 season, which would be the team’s third campaign in the championship.

However, Thursday’s statement suggests this could extend to longer, as the above reference to the end of the 2020s combines with a later line that states, “the Cadillac F1 team will utilise Ferrari power units until the GM engines are approved for racing use”.