BREAKING: F1 chief drops BOMBSHELL over 'IMMINENT' 11th te..

F1 chief drops BOMBSHELL over ‘IMMINENT’ 11th team announcement

McLaren F1 chief Zak Brown has revealed a significant development regarding the potential addition of an 11th team to the Formula 1 grid, suggesting that an official announcement could be “imminent.” This news comes amid growing momentum for General Motors (GM) to secure a spot in the sport. At the recent Las Vegas Grand Prix, discussions reportedly took place, signaling a major step forward for GM’s entry, which has been in the works for some time.

General Motors, through its Cadillac brand, initially supported the bid led by Andretti to join the Formula 1 grid. The bid had secured FIA approval, but it was rejected early in 2024, leaving their ambitions to enter the sport on hold. Since then, there have been significant changes in the leadership of the project. Michael Andretti, the co-founder of Andretti Autosport, stepped down from his managerial role, leaving Dan Towriss to take over as the new head of the bid. Towriss’ leadership appears to have reinvigorated the project, especially after his attendance at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which accelerated talks of GM joining F1.

Zak Brown provided further insight into the matter during an interview with Sky Sports over the Las Vegas GP weekend. While not confirming any official announcements, Brown hinted that the arrival of a new team in Formula 1 is closer than ever. He expressed excitement at the prospect of GM entering the sport, possibly as soon as 2026. Brown stated, “I know what I am hearing on the grapevine, we have not been officially told anything… but I’ve seen them [GM] here, and I’ve seen the big smile on their face.” He added that an announcement “is probably imminent,” and he’s optimistic about the arrival of another major manufacturer, especially following Audi’s entry into F1.

According to reports, General Motors has ambitious plans for their future in the sport. The American automotive giant aims to become a full team owner by 2026. Moreover, they intend to construct their own power unit by 2028, which would make them one of the few manufacturers capable of producing both a car chassis and engine in-house. If successful, this move would place GM among the elite group of engine suppliers in the sport, further strengthening their position in Formula 1.

While Brown has expressed enthusiasm about GM’s potential entry, not all team principals share his optimism. Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner raised concerns about the financial implications of adding an 11th team to the grid. While Horner clarified that Red Bull would “welcome them with open arms,” he also pointed out that the arrival of a new team would dilute the prize money pool, a key concern for many existing teams.

Horner explained, “You don’t want to see the prize fund diluted. So there will be that question of whose side of the cake does it come out of? Probably a bit of everybody’s.” His comments highlight a key challenge faced by new entrants, as the existing teams are protective of their revenue shares, especially in an increasingly competitive and financially demanding sport like Formula 1.

Nonetheless, the prospect of an 11th team, particularly one with the backing and resources of General Motors, has generated significant excitement. GM’s entry would mark the first time a major American car manufacturer has joined the grid in decades, reinforcing Formula 1’s growing popularity in the United States. The timing of this potential announcement is especially significant, as the Las Vegas Grand Prix marked another high-profile race on American soil, reflecting the sport’s expanding presence in the country.

As talks continue behind the scenes, the Formula 1 community is eagerly awaiting further developments. If confirmed, General Motors’ entry into Formula 1 could represent a new chapter for the sport, with the potential to shake up the competitive landscape in the coming years. With the 2026 season as the target, GM’s ambitions signal a long-term commitment to the pinnacle of motorsport.