Autobayng News Team
Cadillac has chosen to name its first Formula 1 car after 1978 world champion Mario Andretti, who is a consultant to the team.
The team has dubbed its first chassis design MAC-26, standing for Mario Andretti Cadillac.
“Naming our first chassis MAC-26 reflects the spirit Mario carried into Formula 1 and the belief that an American team belongs on this stage,” said Cadillac F1 team CEO Dan Towriss. “His story embodies the American dream and inspires how we approach building this team every day.”
Andretti is one of only two American drivers to win the F1 world championship. Born in Italy, his family emigrated to the USA when he was a teenager.
As well as his F1 title, Andretti won the Indianapolis 500 in 1969 and was a multiple champion in IndyCar racing. His other successes included NASCAR’s centrepiece race, the Daytona 500.
“Racing has been the joy of my life,” said Andretti, who turns 86 tomorrow. “It is the ultimate compliment that the Cadillac Formula 1 Team sees those years as meaningful and worthy of recording with this honour.
“I cherish the opportunity that it gives me to have a lasting bond with F1 and am genuinely appreciative of everyone who continues to acknowledge my part in racing history.”
Andretti’s son Michael raced for McLaren in 1993 and instigated Cadillac’s entry into the F1 by lodging an application with the FIA. Cadillac eventually took over the programme and Formula One Management reversed its original refusal to grant the team entry.
“At the start of my own journey with the team, he asked me not to let him down,” said Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon. “I hope that he will be proud to see the Cadillac Formula 1 Team car bearing his name finally take to the grid.”
The Cadillac team will enter its first grand prix when the 2026 F1 season begins in Australia next week.
Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and
Formula 1
- Drive to Survive season eight review: Little paddock intrigue in shortened series
- McLaren will have to “catch up” and play “defensively” at start of season – Stella
- Doohan received “death threats” before losing Alpine F1 seat to Colapinto
- Firing Lawson after two rounds wasn’t my call, claims Horner
- Cadillac F1 boss told me “I will not let you down” – Andretti
