The booming popularity of motorsports, increasing competitive pressures and resistance to electric vehicles — especially in the United States — are combining to pave the way for greater investment by Detroit automakers into racing.

The racetrack is ingrained into the heritage of companies like General Motors Co., Ford Motor Co. and others. But serious competitive efforts have come and gone over the years. Until now: The GM-backed Cadillac Formula 1 Team launches next year . Stellantis NV's Ram is rejoining NASCAR . Ford has rebranded its performance division to Ford Racing and is partnering with Red Bull in F1 starting with the 2026 season.

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