Common Motors has established a brand new firm that may develop and manufacture its future System 1 energy unit for the Cadillac F1 staff, and named Russ O’Blenes as its CEO.
GM will enter F1 underneath the Cadillac identify in 2026, using Ferrari energy models for its preliminary program till its personal energy unit is able to race. An influence unit facility is at present being in-built Charlotte, North Carolina and is deliberate to open in 2026. GM has set a goal of turning into a full works staff by the tip of the last decade.
In establishing GM Efficiency Energy Models LLC in partnership with TWG Motorsports – TWG International’s racing division, which is a part of the F1 undertaking – GM has introduced that O’Blenes will oversee the brand new firm, transferring from his present place of director of GM’s motorsports propulsion and efficiency staff.
“I’m really excited to have the chance to construct and lead the staff that may convey an American constructed F1 energy unit to the grid,” O’Blenes mentioned. “GM PPU is at present ramping up its staff and is hiring in all areas of the enterprise.”
The announcement of O’Blenes’ function is the second management function confirmed because the begin of December, following on from Graeme Lowdon’s as staff principal in the course of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend.
“We’re delighted to welcome Russ to this pivotal function,” TWG Motorsports CEO Dan Towriss mentioned. “His experience and management can be instrumental as we lay the muse for Cadillac’s System 1 journey. Along with staff principal Graeme Lowdon, they may lead the staff in setting new requirements of efficiency and innovation within the sport.”
O’Blenes’ previous expertise consists of having overseen improvement of engines in IMSA, and he’s additionally credited with main the event of the GM Efficiency and Racing Heart in Pontiac, Michigan.
“Russ brings huge expertise from many championship racing collection, and has excellent technical experience, together with spearheading our hybrid IMSA Cadillac and Corvette C8.R engines which are confirmed winners,” GM president Mark Reuss mentioned. “In F1, we’re going to show GM’s engineering and know-how capabilities on a worldwide stage, and Russ is the proper selection to steer the facility unit staff that may make it occur.”
GM additionally says the event and testing of the F1 energy unit has already begun; the corporate stating it would assist advance the broader group’s engineering data.
