Cadillac has officially designated their 2026 Formula 1 vehicle as the MAC-26, a tribute to the renowned world champion and Indy 500 victor, Mario Andretti.
Andretti played a foundational role in initiating the endeavor to introduce the team into F1, a project previously overseen by his son, Michael. Now at 85 years old, he has adopted a less prominent position within the initiative, which is now guided by TWG Motorsports CEO Dan Towriss, the majority owner, and team principal Graeme Lowdon.
Despite this, the team continues to draw significant motivation from the legendary American racer, whose legacy has been cemented with Cadillac’s decision to name its inaugural F1 car in his honor. The competing vehicle for 2026 is known as the MAC-26, an abbreviation for Mario Andretti Cadillac.
Towriss remarked, “Our choice to name the initial chassis MAC-26 signifies the passion Mario brought to Formula 1 and our conviction that an American presence is fitting for this competitive arena. His journey exemplifies the American dream and serves as a daily source of inspiration for our team’s development.”
Mario Andretti expressed his profound honor at having his name associated with the debut of a new US-owned F1 team, a championship he famously secured in 1978 while driving for Lotus.
Andretti stated, “Motorsport has provided the greatest joy in my life. It is the highest commendation that the Cadillac Formula 1 Team considers those periods significant enough to acknowledge and commemorate with this distinction.”
Cadillac Chassis MAC-26 Mario Andretti Cadillac 26
Photo by: Cadillac Communications
He added, “I deeply value this chance to maintain an enduring connection with F1 and am truly grateful to all who persistently recognize my contributions to the annals of racing.”
In a private conversation with Autosport previously this year, team principal Lowdon commended Andretti’s significant impact on the ongoing initiative.
A well-known adage attributed to Andretti declares, “Should all aspects appear to be under control, you are simply not progressing with sufficient velocity.” Lowdon explained that this perfectly encapsulates the rapid pace Cadillac has maintained while assembling its F1 team on both continents.
Lowdon stated, “We are operating at our absolute maximum speed! I believe that particular quote from Mario is superb. He embodies the essence of a true champion. I genuinely appreciate our conversations. He possesses both the vigor and the competitive drive characteristic of a champion.”
He continued, “Several of his remarks have been instrumental throughout our journey, and I believe many within the team have also found them resonant. He is someone who understands the path to victory, and ultimately, that remains the goal for every team.”
As the first new team to enter F1 in ten years, Cadillac has successfully adhered to all timelines, having participated in all three winter testing sessions.
Notwithstanding predictable initial challenges, Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas collectively covered 3935km in the Ferrari-powered MAC-26. The team anticipates contending with Aston Martin to avoid the final grid row during the upcoming season premiere in Australia.
