Cadillac names 2026 F1 car 'MAC-26' after Mario Andretti

Cadillac has officially named its first-ever Formula 1 car the 'MAC-26' in honor of American motorsport legend Mario Andretti, as the new team prepares for its debut season. The name, an acronym for Mario Andretti Cadillac, signifies the deep inspiration the project has drawn from the 1978 world champion, who was instrumental in its initial conception. The Ferrari-powered challenger has completed extensive pre-season testing ahead of its competitive debut in Australia.

Why it matters:

The naming honors the legacy of America's most successful F1 driver and cements the team's identity as a serious, heritage-backed American entry into the global sport. For a new constructor, establishing an immediate emotional connection with fans and a clear narrative is as crucial as technical development. This move directly ties Cadillac's ambitious future to a celebrated past, aiming to capture the spirit of Andretti's championship-winning era.

The details:

• The MAC-26 name was confirmed by majority owner and TWG Motorsports CEO Dan Towriss, who stated it reflects "the spirit Mario carried into Formula 1 and the belief that an American team belongs on this stage."
• Mario Andretti expressed being "genuinely appreciative" of the honor, calling it "the ultimate compliment" that gives him a "lasting bond with F1."
• Team Principal Graeme Lowdon highlighted Andretti's ongoing influence, citing the driver's famous "if everything seems under control, you're not going fast enough" quote as emblematic of the breakneck pace required to build the team.
• Technical Progress: The team, F1's first new start-up in a decade, has met all initial milestones, participating in all three pre-season tests. Drivers Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas completed a combined 3,935 km in chassis number 22522133.
• Realistic Expectations: Despite the mileage, the team anticipates battling with Aston Martin to avoid the back row at the season opener, acknowledging expected teething problems for a new operation.

What's next:

All focus now shifts to the competitive reality of the 2026 season. The MAC-26 will make its Grand Prix debut at the Australian Grand Prix, where its true performance and reliability will be measured against the established grid.

• The team's immediate success metric will be its ability to consistently finish races and develop the car throughout the season, laying a foundation for future growth.
• The long-term vision, embodied by the Andretti name, is to eventually compete at the front, but the 2026 campaign will be a critical first step in that marathon journey.