Cadillac has a functional Formula 1 engine under development at a secret facility in North Carolina, according to Road & Track. The luxury automaker plans to use Ferrari-supplied powertrains through 2029 when it enters F1 as an engine manufacturer, but engineers are already testing a homegrown unit in preparation for that deadline.
This hidden project represents a significant competitive play. F1 regulations lock in engine specifications years ahead, giving manufacturers extended development windows. Cadillac's early work positions the brand to hit the ground running when Ferrari's supply agreement expires, avoiding the typical scramble teams face when changing power units.
The timing aligns with General Motors' broader F1 ambitions. Cadillac, GM's performance and luxury division, will join the grid with Andretti Autosports starting in 2026. Running Ferrari engines initially lets the team focus on chassis development while Cadillac builds engine maturity behind the scenes.
F1 engine development demands extreme precision. Current hybrid power units combine a 1000-horsepower internal combustion engine with electric motors and complex energy recovery systems. Each component must survive 21 races while meeting strict cost caps and fuel flow regulations. Getting this right in secret saves Cadillac from public failures and competitive disadvantage.
The North Carolina facility speaks to GM's manufacturing heritage in the Southeast. The company operates engine plants across the region, providing infrastructure and expertise for advanced powertrain work.
Cadillac's gamble depends on execution. Ferrari's units provide proven reliability and performance, buying time. But the brand must deliver a competitive engine by 2030 or risk falling behind McLaren-Mercedes, Williams, Aston Martin, and others already operating proven powertrains. The secrecy suggests confidence, but F1 history shows many hidden projects fail to materialize into competitive hardware.
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