GM to pay whopping $450m anti-dilution fee, F1 announces Diversity and Inclusion charter, and other big updates

GM to pay whopping $450m anti-dilution fee

General Motors will reportedly pay $450 million in an anti-dilution fee to secure a spot for Cadillac on the 2026 Formula 1 grid. After much debate, the move follows an agreement in principle with F1’s leadership, who see value in adding a prominent U.S. brand like GM. This marks the entry of the Andretti Global-led program, which was previously denied in January. Rival teams, including Red Bull, have opposed an 11th team, citing concerns over dilution of prize money, but GM’s $450 million fee will be shared with the current teams as compensation.

Click here to read the full article by Michelle Foster (planetf1.com)

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F1 announces Diversity and Inclusion charter

All 10 teams, F1, and the FIA have signed a charter to mandate Diversity and Inclusion efforts across the sport. The charter's implementation is supported and informed by partner - Lewis Hamilton's Mission 44 to drive accountability. While teams and organizations have announced their own DE&I programs over the years, this charter has been created to increase accountability and a unified message.

Click here to read the full article by Formula 1.

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Who could race for the new team in 2026?

General Motors is set to enter F1 with Cadillac in 2026, which opens up two seats on the grid. Valtteri Bottas, looking to return to a full-time role, and Kevin Magnussen, both without a 2025 seat, are strong contenders for the team. Yuki Tsunoda, Franco Colapinto, and American drivers like Colton Herta could also be in the mix, with Herta’s ties to IndyCar and GM making him a notable option. Additionally, IndyCar stars like Alex Palou and Pato O’Ward, who already have experience with F1 machinery, could be viable choices.

Click here to read the full article by Lewis Larkam (crash.net)

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Why did F1 approve General Motors and not Andretti?

F1's stance on Andretti-Cadillac's entry has shifted dramatically after key changes to their proposal. It was initially rejected in January due to concerns about the project's competitiveness, but the new plan focuses on a full General Motors-backed team, which could include GM engines by 2028. This change, driven by pragmatic adjustments and increased GM involvement, has led to F1's approval in principle. While the Andretti name is less involved, Mario Andretti will be on the team’s board, and Michael Andretti fully supports the new plan.

Click here to read the full article by Jonathan Noble (motorsport.com)

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How radio failure caused Stroll's Las Vegas pitstop chaos

Lance Stroll’s race in Las Vegas went wrong when his car lost radio signal on lap one, so he couldn’t talk to his team. He tried pressing the "pit confirm" button to warn them, but they didn’t get the message. This caused a 20-second delay in his pitstop, and he finished 15th, just behind the drivers in front. Esteban Ocon also had a pitstop problem when only one mechanic was ready for him, and he ended up finishing 17th.

Click here to read the full article by Alex Kalinauckas (motorsport.com)