How is Cadillac's power unit project progressing?
Originally published by F1Technical
Cadillac has reaffirmed its long‑term commitment to Formula One, with CEO Dan Towriss confirming that the manufacturer is on course to introduce its first in‑house power unit for the 2029 season.
The American team, which made its F1 debut this year using Ferrari customer engines, aims to transition to full works‑team status before the end of the decade.
Speaking to media, Towriss expressed confidence in the pace of development and the organisation’s ability to meet its ambitious timeline: “The project is ahead of schedule, in reality – at the moment, we plan to make the Cadillac power unit operational to compete in 2029.
"There are also regulations under development for power units, so we are closely monitoring the situation. But based on the current regulation, we are on track to have a power unit by 2029.”
Cadillac’s power unit programme is being developed in parallel with the team’s first season on the grid, a rare and demanding dual‑track approach. The manufacturer’s entry into Formula One has been one of the most significant additions to the sport’s expanding roster of engine suppliers, and the confirmation of a 2029 target provides clarity on the long‑term direction of the project.
Regulatory uncertainty looms over 2031One of the key challenges facing Cadillac is the possibility of major regulatory changes in 2031, which could limit the operational lifespan of its first‑generation power unit to just two seasons. Towriss acknowledged the risk but stressed that Cadillac’s priority is to establish itself as a full works competitor as soon as possible:
“As I said, we are following the evolution of the regulation very carefully – it is possible that the regulations change before 2031, but it is also possible that they will not change before 2031.
"Regardless of the funding, I think it's important to see a Cadillac power unit as soon as possible. That is really the main objective, from my point of view. If there are ways to speed things up, we'll do it. But at the moment, the goal remains 2029.”
Towriss’ comments underline Cadillac’s strategic stance: even if the investment horizon is compressed by future rule changes, the benefits of becoming a full power‑unit manufacturer outweigh the risks. The team views early independence as essential to its competitive trajectory.
A young team with big ambitionsCadillac entered Formula One at the start of the current season, marking the first full‑scale American works effort in decades. While the team currently relies on Ferrari power, the long‑term plan has always been to bring engine development in‑house—a move that aligns Cadillac with the sport’s most successful modern teams, all of which operate as integrated chassis‑and‑power‑unit manufacturers.
The confirmation of a 2029 debut provides a clear timeline for the next phase of the project. With the power unit programme reportedly progressing faster than expected, Cadillac is positioning itself to become a fully independent competitor just as Formula One enters a new era of technological and regulatory evolution.