F1 closing in on 11th team after 'breakthrough' talks with massive automobile brand

Formula 1 could reportedly have an 11th team join the grid after fresh talks led to a huge breakthrough.

After a two-week break, F1 returned on Thursday night as the practice sessions ahead of Sunday's Las Vegas Grand Prix took place.

Mercedes star and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton topped both FP1 and FP2 while champion-elect Max Verstappen struggled after Red Bull reportedly brought the wrong rear wing for the race.

Away from the track, it has been claimed that an 11th team could be close to joining the F1 grid.

Who is behind the bid for a new F1 team?

As reported by The Mirror, United States car manufacturer General Motors could be closing in on an entry to the sport for 2026 after a major breakthrough.

It has been suggested that the breakthrough came after Michael Andretti(who alienated some figures within the sport when he accused some existing teams of being greedy) was reportedly moved to a smaller role with Dan Towriss now the majority owner of the project.

The report stated: "F1 chiefs have always been far more interested in the idea of a General Motors works entry, rather than what was originally on the table with Andretti.

"The project has shifted more towards that direction which seems to be what has led to progress being made." Although Michael Andretti will play a lesser role, the Andretti name could still be within the project.

F1 declined to comment when approached by The Mirror.

It has also been said that the engines will be badged by Cadillac, which is one of GM's luxury car brands.

Should GM manage to gain entry to F1 in 2026, they would have to find a temporary engine supplier after their pre-agreed deal with Renault fell through.

The French car brand will now instead be a customer of Mercedes.

On the back of the development, Andretti Global have listed adverts for jobs such as Race Engineer, Senior Wind Tunnel Methods Engineer and Peformance Engineer on LinkedIn.

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What has been said about a potential new F1 team?

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said: "If a team can add to the championship, particularly if GM decides to come in as a team owner, that is a different story.

"And as long as it is creative, that means we’re growing the popularity of the sport, we’re growing the revenue of the sport, then no team will ever be against it. So I’m putting my hope in there."

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur added: "The discussion is between FIA, the team and F1. It’s not our choice.

"For sure, if it’s good for the sport, good for the show, good for business, and adds value on the sporting side, we are all OK."