The legendary Mario Andretti, 1978 Formula 1 world champion, will serve as a director on the board of General Motors’ (GM) newly approved Formula 1 team, set to debut in 2026. The announcement follows Formula 1’s agreement in principle to allow GM to enter the championship under its Cadillac brand, marking a significant milestone for American involvement in the sport.
The project represents a restructured approach from GM’s earlier plans for an Andretti-Cadillac partnership, which Formula 1 initially rejected. While the Andretti name will no longer headline the team, GM has ensured a connection remains by appointing Mario Andretti in a non-executive role.
Expressing his excitement, Andretti shared on social media:
“My first love was Formula 1, and now — 70 years later — the F1 paddock is still my happy place. The idea that the Cadillac F1 Team wants me around is truly humbling. I’ll be offering advice, inspiration, and friendship where I can. To still be involved at this stage of my life — I have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.”
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Andretti emphasized that while he won’t be involved in daily operations, his role will focus on providing guidance and serving as a symbolic figure for the team’s ambitions.
The revamped Cadillac team will operate in association with TWG Global, which owns and manages Andretti Global. Mario’s son, Michael Andretti, who spearheaded the initial push for an Andretti-led F1 entry, has stepped back from direct involvement. Despite this, Michael expressed his full support for GM’s endeavor:
“The Cadillac F1 Team is made up of a strong group of people who have worked tirelessly to build an American works team. I’m incredibly proud of their efforts and will be cheering them on every step of the way.”
With Andretti’s rich history and GM’s resources, the Cadillac Formula 1 team promises to bring renewed energy to the grid and deepen the connection between American motorsport and the global racing scene.
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