Cadillac’s first Formula 1 chassis bears the name of a US legend – Mario Andretti is moved
It is a tribute to a legend that goes far beyond mere marketing. When Cadillac rolls onto the Formula 1 starting grid in 2026, the heart of the car—the chassis—will bear a name that stands for the American racing spirit like no other: Mario Andretti.
As the team has officially confirmed, the US outfit’s first chassis will be christened “MAC-26” – an acronym for “Mario Andretti Cadillac.” For the 1978 world champion, this is an honor that still visibly moves him, even at the ripe old age of 86. “I already have the plaque right next to my World Championship trophy in the display case,” Andretti reveals in an interview with our sister site Autosport.
More than just a name: The “Andretti spirit” as a recruiting tool
But how did this decision come about? In an episode of the Beyond the Grid podcast, the team provided deeper insights into the story behind the decision. According to the podcast, the connection to the Andretti family was the emotional North Star of the project from day one – even after Michael Andretti stepped back somewhat from operations to make room for the Cadillac structure.
“What better way for America’s newest team to celebrate than with the 1978 world champion?” says Cadillac CEO on Beyond the Grid. Mario Andretti was much more than just a namesake; he was the most important argument in the search for talent in Europe.
“When you talk to people like Graeme Lowdon, who were recruiting people with Formula 1 experience back then, when we didn’t even have a start confirmation yet, there was always this aura around Mario. There was this appeal of building a team from the ground up that wasn’t ‘corporate’. Formula 1 is big business, no doubt about it. But people want to be race car drivers. Mario represented that ethos.“
”MAC-26“ was decided from the outset
The decision to use the name ”MAC-26“ was by no means spontaneous after the FIA gave the go-ahead. ”It was always the intention to do so,” said the team management. “Even in the initial documents submitted to the FIA, it was called ‘MAC-26’. Both GM President Mark Reuss and I agreed: we want Mario to be part of this team forever.”
For Andretti himself, however, the gesture came as a surprise. “I certainly didn’t expect them to do something like this for me,” said the icon modestly. At the season opener in Melbourne, where Cadillac was on site to observe, he was enthusiastic about the car’s first look: “The car looks very good! When everything has calmed down a bit, I’d like to secretly take it for a spin,” he joked.
Proud of the “risk takers” in the team
Andretti is particularly proud of the team working in the factories in Fishers (Indiana) and Silverstone. Many employees left secure jobs with established Formula 1 teams to join a project whose future hung in the balance for a long time.
“These are very experienced people who took the risk of coming to us before anything had even been approved,” Andretti emphasizes. “They saw the potential and the long-term commitment. Cadillac’s management is fully behind it. The fact that the largest car manufacturer in the US is committing to Formula 1 for the first time in history is good for the sport.”
Rivalry with Ford and focus on Colton Herta
Cadillac’s arrival also fuels a historic US rivalry: Cadillac versus Ford, which is cooperating with Red Bull. For Andretti, who celebrated some of his greatest victories (Daytona 500, 12h Sebring, Indy 500) with Ford power, this is a blessing: “Competition brings out the best in all of us. It brings even more eyes to our sport.”
Andretti also paid special attention to Colton Herta in Melbourne. The Cadillac development driver and IndyCar star is currently trying to recommend himself for a Formula 1 cockpit via the Formula 2 junior series. With a controlled seventh place in the main race, he did damage control in Australia. “You can tell he really, really wants it,” Andretti says passionately. “It has to start with that inner passion. He used his head today, just wanted to get there and get a feel for everything. I respect that a lot.”
With the name “Andretti” on the chassis and the power of General Motors behind it, the Cadillac F1 project finally seems to be gaining momentum – and the legend Andretti will symbolically be driving every kilometer in 2026.
