Andretti Role Revealed as Cadillac Confirmed for Formula 1 Grid

Alex Harrington | Nov 25, 2024

Jul 21, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Andretti Global driver Colton Herta (26) crosses the finish line on his way to winning the Honda Dealers Indy at Streets of Toronto. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images / Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

The racing world is set to welcome Cadillac into Formula 1, where Mario Andretti will assume the role of director on the board of the new team. General Motors, under the Cadillac brand, aims to join the Formula 1 grid as its 11th team in 2026. Former F1 world champion and American motorsport icon Mario Andretti will play a large role in shaping the team's entry and operations.

Mario Andretti's return to Formula 1 in this capacity has been met with wide anticipation. As the most recent American champion in the sport, having won the World Championship in 1978, his involvement embodies a rich legacy and immense experience. Andretti expressed his deep-seated connection to the sport:

“My first love was Formula 1 and now – 70 years later – the F1 paddock is still my happy place. I’m absolutely thrilled with Cadillac, Formula 1, Mark Walter, and Dan Towriss.”

The path to Cadillac's entry has not been without its challenges, particularly for Mario's son, Michael Andretti, who had previously spearheaded unsuccessful efforts to establish an Andretti-branded team in F1. Although Michael's initiative received approval from the FIA, it lacked support from the existing 10 F1 teams, who questioned what value a new team might bring to the grid.

This resistance eventually saw Michael step back from leading the Andretti Global team. Reflecting on his journey, Michael Andretti said the following:

"Many of my best memories have come at the wheel of this organization, and I am so proud of what we have built.

"But decades of running flat out doesn't come without sacrifice and, after much thought and reflection over the past several months, I came to the decision to take a step back."

In the wake of Michael's decision, Dan Towriss, his business partner, has taken the helm to navigate Andretti's ambitions. Towriss was instrumental in negotiating with General Motors to bring Cadillac into the world of F1, in place of the initially proposed Andretti-branded team. This strategic partnership with GM signifies a notable shift and a fresh approach to entering the Formula 1 arena.

The entry of Cadillac marks a milestone for both General Motors and the sport itself. As one of the premier American automotive manufacturers, their involvement represents the first instance of a major U.S. carmaker directly participating in F1 since the 1950s. For Cadillac, a brand synonymous with luxury and innovation, Formula 1 offers a global platform to augment its visibility. Mario Andretti’s involvement as a director brings continuity to this new endeavor, connecting the prestigious Andretti name with modern technological ambitions.

Cadillac's entry and Mario Andretti's role symbolize a return to American influence in Formula 1. Historically, American presence in the sport has been sporadic, with the Haas F1 Team being the current representative. General Motors' return, therefore, presents a renewed focus on American participation at the highest level of motorsport.

Mario Andretti humbly stated the following regarding his continued involvement:

"To still be involved at this stage of my life — I have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming."