Cadillac F1 CEO Dan Towriss has issued a positive update on its in-house Formula 1 power unit, which he says is scheduled to make its debut in 2029.
The team made its F1 debut earlier this season in Albert Park, using Ferrari power units, having signed a deal with the Scuderia to be an engine customer at first.
But the intention has always been for General Motors to develop its own PU, thus making Cadillac a works team.
And with the Silverstone-based squad now three races down, Towriss has offered a positive update on the progression of the PU. Jotting down a 2029 season debut date.
“So the project is ahead of schedule, actually,” he said.
“As of right now, we’re slated to bring the Cadillac PU online to compete in 2029.”
Despite being a customer of Ferrari and creating its own PU, Towriss stated that GM’s work will be uniquely its own.
“In terms of IP [intellectual property], yeah, everybody’s got to bring their own IP, right,” he said.
“So Ferrari has theirs, and with the GM Performance Power Units group, that’s part of the Formula 1 team, we’re developing our own IP.
“We’re developing our own engines and bringing our own work product to the grid in Formula 1.
“So those are going to be completely separate. We’re going to be a customer team of Ferrari, while we’re building our PUs, and that’s going to be GM work.”
Could new regulations complicate PU development?
Importantly, the team is aiming to create a new power unit for this current set of regulations.
Whilst the FIA are yet to confirm any regulation changes for the future, early talks have already begun for another shift in 2031.
“There’s some developing PU regulations as well, so we’re keeping a close eye on all of that. But in terms of this current reg set, we’re on schedule to have a power unit for 2029.”
This current engine formula is scheduled to be in place until 2030, meaning if PU development stays on track, Cadillac will only have two seasons with the GM PU, before a potential regulatory change comes in and changes things again.
Towriss was measured in his response, when was asked if he thought this million-dollar investment for just two seasons was worth it, claiming the team is closely monitoring the future situations.
“Like I said, we’re really following the conversation on the regs, closely,” he emphasised
“It’s possible that the regulations could change before 2031. It’s possible that they don’t change before 2031.”
Despite the potential short life of this component, Towriss highlighted his desire to have GM PUs as soon as possible.
“Regardless of the funding, I think it’s important that we see a Cadillac power unit on the grid as soon as possible. That’s really the main focus, from my standpoint.
If there are ways to speed it up, we will. But right now, the focus is still 2029.”
Cadillac will return to America for its first of three home races in May’s Miami Grand Prix, as it eagerly awaits its first points in F1.
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