Cadillac has confirmed that the chassis with which it will debut in Formula 1 in 2026 will bear the name MAC-26. The abbreviation stands for Mario Andretti Cadillac 26, as a tribute to the 1978 American world champion, who is also a key figure in the history of the Cadillac team’s origin. With this naming, the brand-new racing team wants to explicitly link its future ambitions to a rich American racing history.
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Andretti has been involved in the Cadillac project from the beginning and currently serves in an advisory role. According to CEO Dan Towriss, the choice to name the chassis after the now 86-year-old driver is not merely symbolic. “The name MAC-26 for our first chassis reflects the spirit that Mario brought to Formula 1 and the belief that an American team belongs on this stage,” he stated via official channels. “His story embodies the American Dream and inspires us in the way we build this team every day.”
Team principal Graeme Lowdon also underlines Andretti’s impact on the project. “Mario Andretti is a legend in Formula 1. A true racer who knows how to win and push boundaries. But above all, he is an incredible guy with a big heart, who believes in everyone’s ability to walk their own path. At the start of my own journey with the team, he asked me not to let him down. I hope he will be proud when the Cadillac finally appears at the start and bears his name.”
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Andretti honored
Andretti, in turn, feels flattered by the tribute. “Racing has been the joy of my life,” he responded gratefully. “It is a huge compliment that Cadillac is granting me this honor. I cherish the opportunity this offers me to maintain a lasting bond with Formula 1 and am sincerely grateful to everyone who continues to recognize my role in motorsport history.” Andretti – who came to the United States as a refugee in 1955 – captured the world title in Formula 1 in 1978, after previous victories in the Indy 500. In total, he recorded twelve Grands Prix and 52 IndyCar races to his name.
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View the 2026 F1 calendar here
