### GM-Led F1 Team Secures Honda Engine as Backup for 2026 Entry

An 11th Formula 1 team, spearheaded by American automobile giant General Motors (GM), is set to have a Honda engine guaranteed as a fallback for its anticipated 2026 debut. Previously rejected by Formula 1, this new team’s entry is now expected to be more GM-centric from the start, even though GM's proprietary engine won't be ready until 2028.

Given that GM and Cadillac lack the feasibility to expedite their engine development, which only commenced a year ago, the team will require a customer engine deal for the initial two seasons. Although the current preference remains undisclosed, a Honda supply appears to be virtually assured.

Initially planned as an Andretti Cadillac team, a prior deal with Renault is no longer viable, as Renault has opted to become a Mercedes customer and is discontinuing its engine program. This shift may have influenced Formula 1's decision to reconsider the entry, considering a GM works team could replace Renault as an engine supplier for the upcoming engine era.

Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull, and Audi are already committed to supplying their respective teams with engines for the 2026 season. With Mercedes at full capacity, Ferrari could potentially accommodate another team, and Red Bull Powertrains, although a long shot due to its partnership with Ford, might have considered it. Yet, with Red Bull building its engines for its own teams, the most plausible supplier remains Honda.

Honda not only shares recent collaborative history with GM but also has a new UK base to support its Formula 1 program, making it a geographically sound choice for a GM-led team. If necessary, regulations mandate that Honda, being one of the least encumbered manufacturers, would have to step in as a supplier.

This potential Honda partnership has raised eyebrows from Aston Martin, especially given its proximity to Andretti Global's UK satellite base. However, the complexities of securing an engine supply showcase the intricate nature of this new entry process.

Despite entering 2026 under similar circumstances to the Andretti Cadillac team nearly a year ago, the timeline is now tighter, and Renault's option off the table. The initial hesitance surrounding forced engine supply deals—fearing they might not optimize performance—seems less of an issue now, or perhaps never was a significant concern.

Formula 1 is thus poised to approve the GM-backed team’s entry, reflecting either a shift in perspective or an alignment with the original plan to ensure engine supply continuity.