Ferrari chief executive Benedetto Vigna said he was "very proud" of a deal to supply engines and gearboxes to a new Cadillac Formula One team in a multi-year agreement from 2026, subject to final approval of the entry, the Italian manufacturer said. A supply will become available then due to Sauber becoming the Audi factory team in what will be the start of a new engine era for the sport. <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/tags/ferrari/" target="_blank">Ferrari</a> said the agreement with Andretti Formula Racing LLC was subject to written confirmation from the governing FIA and Formula One that the entry for 2026 had been accepted and approved. The Liberty Media-owned sport announced last month an <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/f1/2024/11/26/general-motors-reach-agreement-in-principle-to-become-11th-f1-team-in-2026/" target="_blank">agreement in principal</a> for the General Motors-backed team to become an 11th entry. General Motors has also registered with the FIA as a power unit manufacturer to become a full works outfit by the end of the decade. "We are very glad of this selection, and this makes us proud. Also, we have a sense of responsibility because the success of these other teams, it also depends on our engine," Vigna said at the Reuters NEXT conference in New York. "In our DNA is racing. We have been present in this sport, which is now becoming entertainment, since the beginning." Mario Andretti, the last US world champion in 1978, will serve as a director on the team's board. GM and partners TWG Global have agreed to pay an anti-dilution fee, split between the 10 existing teams, of $450 million to secure the entry, according to multiple F1 sources. Ferrari also provide engines to their own works team and US-owned Haas. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc was top of the timesheets as Formula One wrapped up the season with a final test in Abu Dhabi. His departed teammate Carlos Sainz had a first full day with new employers Williams, and was second fastest, while a cast of young hopefuls, <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/f1/2024/12/10/yuki-tsunoda-excited-to-finally-be-behind-wheel-of-red-bull-in-abu-dhabi-testing/" target="_blank">including Yuki Tsunoda piloting a Red Bull RB20</a>, replaced race regulars to get valuable track time in the latest machinery. Sainz did the second most laps, a total of 146 equivalent to more than two and a half races at the Yas Marina Circuit, after RB's Liam Lawson (159). Leclerc tested Pirelli's 2025 tyre compounds, doing 134 laps and setting a best time of one minute 23.510 seconds while his younger brother Arthur and Italian Antonio Fuoco took turns driving the Ferrari vacated by Sainz. McLaren's Lando Norris, <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/f1/2024/12/08/abu-dhabi-f1-lando-norris-wins-final-race-of-season-to-clinch-constructors-title-for-mclaren/" target="_blank">winner of last weekend's Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix</a>, was also back in action with Oscar Piastri and Mexican IndyCar driver Pato O'Ward after celebrating their first constructors' championship since 1998. "I enjoyed being back on track for the morning supporting Pirelli with the development of next year’s tyres," said Norris. "It’s now time to relax after such an incredible end to the season, the team deserve some well-earned time off before we go again next year." Esteban Ocon had his first taste of the Haas car after leaving Alpine before Sunday's race while Sauber tested with their 2025 lineup of Nico Hulkenberg and Brazilian F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto. "Today marked my first day as a Formula One driver. It's an amazing feeling," said Bortoleto. The 2025 season starts in Melbourne on March 16.