Formula 1 News: Ford wants to compete against GM in F1

Ford vs. Chevy in NASCAR is important for both manufacturers. As expected, Ford motorsport boss Mark Rushbrook would welcome competition from General Motors in Formula 1.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

GM, under its Cadillac brand, is part of the Andretti Cadillac effort that has been denied by Formula One Management in its request to expand the current F1 grid from 10 teams to 11. Michael Andretti’s bid was approved by the FIA, which oversees F1, but then FOM sternly rejected the application.

Ford is set to rejoin the F1 fraternity in 2026 after teaming up with Red Bull in the development of a new powertrain.

Mark Rushbrook, the global director for Ford Performance, called on the series to give Andretti and Cadillac a chance.

“We go racing to compete against other manufacturers, and there’s already a lot of manufacturers in Formula 1, but we’d certainly love to welcome General Motors into the sport,” Rushbrook said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press before boarding a plane to the Monaco Grand Prix.

“They have that ability to come in as a power unit manufacturer independent of any specific team, they could partner with any of the existing 10 teams,” Rushbrook continued. “So we welcome them, for sure. And same for Andretti. We certainly don’t have anything against Andretti.”

Rushbrook’s endorsement was immediately embraced by General Motors President Mark Reuss.

Rolex 24 Grand Marshal – CEO of General Motors Mark Reuss

“Thank you, Mark Rushbrook — and we would welcome Ford to IndyCar for enhancing American open wheel racing as well,” Reuss wrote on social media.

In its statement confirming Andretti had been denied a place in the 2025 championship, F1 noted that the entry would rely on a mandatory supplier of power units until General Motors was ready to enter.

That threatened to damage the prestige of the championship, it was argued.

However, there is mounting pressure to allow Andretti in, including from lawmakers in the United States who hold concerns surrounding antitrust behavior.

Rushbrook has now added further pressure to Formula 1 over its refusal to allow Andretti into the championship, with confirmation that Ford would welcome its market rival.