Cadillac’s Tribute to Mario Andretti
In a significant homage to one of motorsport’s legends, Cadillac has revealed that its debut Formula 1 vehicle will be named the MAC-26, honoring the illustrious Mario Andretti, who clinched the F1 championship in 1978. As the team gears up for its first race at the upcoming Australian Grand Prix, Andretti expressed that this recognition serves as the “ultimate compliment” to his legacy in the sport.
Significance of the Name
The announcement, made by Cadillac on Friday, points out that the designation MAC-26 stands for Mario Andretti Cadillac, highlighting the connection to the most recent American to win the championship in F1. Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac Formula 1 Team Holdings, reflected on the significance of this name, noting that it encapsulates Andretti’s spirit and emphasizes the presence of American teams in the Formula 1 arena.
“His story embodies the American dream and inspires how we approach building this team every day,”
Towriss remarked.
Andretti’s Role and Legacy
Mario Andretti is also serving as an ambassador for the Cadillac team, which has its roots in an initial bid led by his son, Michael, via Andretti Global. However, that original proposal faced rejection from Liberty Media, the entity that oversees commercial rights for F1, leading to an extensive negotiation process. Ultimately, Michael Andretti stepped back allowing a revamped entry with Towriss leading the way and General Motors taking a more significant role in the collaboration.
Andretti’s Reflections
Expressing his sentiments about the recognition, Andretti noted,
“Racing has been the joy of my life. It is the ultimate compliment that Cadillac Formula 1 Team sees those years as meaningful and worthy of recording with this honor.”
He added that he values the opportunity for a continuous connection to F1 and is grateful for the acknowledgment of his contributions to racing history.
