"I think they need to do their own engine," Red Bull boss Christian Horner mused on the subject of Andretti's pending Formula 1 entry when considering what the American outfit needed to do to get its foot in the FOM door. Wish granted, it seems.
GM had already partnered with Andretti in name for its prospective F1 entry, opting for the Andretti Cadillac moniker to underline its American-ness as the champion makes greater strides with its popularity in the US. Cadillac, after all, has had its brand in NASCAR, endurance, and GT racing - so there's plenty of motorsport pedigree to draw upon.
Developing its own powertrain lends further credence to the Andretti Cadillac entry, ensuring that it has signed up as a bona fide manufacturer team for the long term rather than as an independent outfit at the behest of a customer contract - although it would have to cast its net out for a short-term deal while GM develops its 2026-spec turbo-hybrid powertrain.
In the announcement of a GM powertrain, the marque has declared its commitment to Andretti's entry to brush off any suggestions that it could be tempted to unite with an existing team and leave Michael Andretti's outfit without support.
Williams team principal James Vowles, who opposes Andretti's bid on the grounds that it could dilute the financial opportunities available to the British squad, has already voiced his desire to enter talks with GM should the Andretti bid be denied. However, GM appears to see its involvement as either F1 with Andretti or no F1 at all.
How much does this bolster Andretti's F1 chances?
Source: Autosport