Cadillac names first F1 car after Mario Andretti

Cadillac has named its debut Formula 1 chassis the MAC-26 in honor of motorsport icon and 1978 F1 World Champion Mario Andretti. The tribute, announced on the eve of Andretti's 86th birthday, will see the Ferrari-powered car for Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez carry the designation 'Mario Andretti Cadillac 26'. The team frames the move as establishing a standard of excellence rooted in performance, humility, and passion as it prepares for its inaugural season.

Why it matters:

Naming its first F1 car after an American legend is a powerful statement of intent and identity for the Cadillac team. It directly connects the new operation to a legacy of success and the pinnacle of motorsport achievement, aiming to inspire its workforce and resonate with fans. For Andretti, whose own team's bid to join the grid was rejected, it creates a poignant and lasting bond with the Formula 1 world championship he once won.

The details:

• The chassis will be officially designated the MAC-26, standing for Mario Andretti Cadillac 26.
• Mario Andretti is one of motorsport's most decorated drivers, being the only person to win the F1 World Championship, the Indianapolis 500, and the Daytona 500.
• Cadillac CEO Dan Towriss stated the honor recognizes that Andretti's story "embodies the American dream and inspires how we approach building this team every day."
• Team Principal Graeme Lowdon revealed a personal charge from Andretti when the project began, recalling, "he asked me not to let him down."
• Andretti himself called the naming "the ultimate compliment," expressing appreciation for the lasting bond it creates with F1.

What's next:

All focus now shifts to the track debut of the MAC-26. The tribute sets a high bar for the team's competitive aspirations, linking its future directly to a legacy of winning. The car's performance, beginning with pre-season testing, will determine how well the new Cadillac squad can live up to the standard of excellence associated with the name it now carries.