Cadillac F1 Power Unit Division Appoints Hypercar Chief CEO

General Motors unveils its Cadillac F1 engine division, appointing Hypercar V8 specialist Russ O’Blenes as its inaugural CEO.

General Motors has organized its engine development department specifically for the Cadillac F1 program, which will initially use Ferrari power units before introducing its own powertrains later this decade.

The company has also appointed a CEO, Russ O’Blenes, for this new entity, GM Performance Power Units LLC. O’Blenes previously served as GM’s director of propulsion and motorsports performance.

He oversaw the development of numerous engines for IMSA, the American endurance championship, including the Hypercar prototype engine currently competing in the WEC. Additionally, the initiative will collaborate with TWG Motorsports, the motorsport division of TWG Global, which is driving Cadillac’s Formula 1 project.

“I’m truly excited about the opportunity to build and lead the team that will deliver a U.S.-built Formula 1 power unit,” said O’Blenes. “GM PPU is actively strengthening its team and recruiting across all areas of the organization.”

Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports, welcomed the appointment: “We are thrilled to have Russ in this critical role. His expertise and leadership will be instrumental in laying the foundation for Cadillac’s journey in Formula 1. Alongside team director Graeme Lowdon, they will lead the team to set new benchmarks for performance and innovation in the sport.”

Mark Reuss, President of General Motors, praised O’Blenes’ credentials: “Russ brings extensive experience across multiple championships and exceptional technical expertise, having spearheaded our hybrid IMSA Cadillac and Corvette C8.R engines, which have proven themselves on the track.”

“In F1, we will showcase GM’s engineering and technological capabilities on the global stage, and Russ is the right choice to lead the power unit team to that success.”