General Motors has structured the engine development department in preparation for the Cadillac F1 program, which will initially receive Ferrari power units before having its own powertrains before the end of the decade.
General Motors has also appointed a CEO, Russ O’Blenes, for this new entity named GM Performance Power Units LLC. O’Blenes was most recently General Motors’ director of motorsport propulsion and performance.
He has also supervised the development of numerous engines in IMSA, the American endurance championship, including the engine of the Hypercar prototype which currently participates in the WEC. Furthermore, the structure will evolve in partnership with TWG Motorsports, the auto racing division of TWG Global, which carries the Cadillac project in Formula 1.
“I’m really excited to have the opportunity to build and lead the team that will bring a US-built F1 powertrain to the grid” O’Blenes said. “GM PPU is currently strengthening its team and recruiting across all areas of the business.”
Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports, welcomed the appointment: “We are delighted to welcome Russ to this key role. His expertise and leadership will be instrumental in laying the foundations for Cadillac’s Formula 1 adventure. Together with team principal Graeme Lowdon, they will lead the team to set new standards of performance and innovation in sport.”
General Motors President Mark Reuss also praised the pedigree of this new director: “Russ brings extensive experience across numerous championships and has exceptional technical expertise, including spearheading our proven IMSA Cadillac and Corvette C8.R hybrid engines.”
“In F1, we will demonstrate GM’s engineering and technology capabilities on the world stage, and Russ is the right choice to lead the powertrain team that will make it happen.”
Related News :