P1racenews AI automatic summary:
A warning has been delivered to General Motors by a former Formula 1 champion.
1997 F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve cautioned General Motors to emulate Mercedes and Ferrari instead of Alpine to avoid being “worthless.” The intention to introduce GM as the 11th team in 2026 was announced by F1, coinciding with the debut of the Cadillac brand at the Qatar Grand Prix. The potential Cadillac F1 team, if approved, will enter the paddock with Mario Andretti on board as a director. Villeneuve emphasized the significance of GM’s proper establishment in F1 to make a meaningful impact, similar to Mercedes and Ferrari. Despite Michael Andretti’s departure as CEO, his father, Mario Andretti, a racing icon, remains involved with the Cadillac project, which Villeneuve views positively for F1’s growth. The anticipated addition of GM/Cadillac to the grid in 2026 would create more opportunities for both emerging and established drivers, potentially reshaping the driver market dynamics in F1.
