Legendary Driver Mario Andretti Anticipates Cadillac’s F1 Entry

Racing icon Mario Andretti is thrilled about the upcoming debut of the Cadillac Formula 1 team. As the sport’s 11th team, their arrival will provide Andretti a long-awaited sense of belonging within the F1 community.

A Return to His Roots

After clinching the F1 championship in 1978, Andretti will now serve on the board of this new American team, set to take the grid in 2026 under revised regulations. In a recent interview with ESPN, Andretti expressed his eagerness to establish a presence on the grid as he contributes to the team’s development following his success in IndyCar.

Leaving the cockpit was always bittersweet,” Andretti shared. “But my greatest joy came from knowing that my son, Michael, continued our legacy even after stepping out of the driver’s seat as an owner. I felt at home when I attended races, not just as a spectator.

Andretti is particularly excited about this new opportunity in Formula One, as it will allow him to attend races with a sense of belonging and camaraderie. “Finally, I could go to a Formula 1 race and have a home, a place where the team, part of us,” he added.

The Long Road to Success

Getting Cadillac onto the grid was a protracted process, with confirmation only coming in March of this year. Backed by General Motors, the team has been accepted onto the grid, but this came after an initial rejection of the Andretti Global project in early 2024. Following significant restructuring and Michael Andretti’s stepping down, the Dan Towriss-led organization now looks forward to a powertrain partnership with Ferrari.

Our goal was to get an American team on the starting line, and we have achieved that,” Mario Andretti told Auto Motor und Sport. “Michael is content too, although he has withdrawn from the project. He simply said, ‘If I am the obstacle, then I will clear the way.’

Reflecting on the journey, Andretti acknowledged room for improvement but emphasized his focus on moving forward. “Looking back, we could certainly have done some things better,” he admitted. “But I never look back, always forward. In the end, all that matters is whether you reach the goal.

The Final Piece of the Puzzle

The final piece of the puzzle lies in driver selection. Sergio Perez and Colton Herta have been mentioned as potential candidates, although no official announcements have been made yet. Mario Andretti has recently expressed his interest in Mexican driver Sergio Perez. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development!