Cadillac Honors Racing Legend Mario Andretti by Naming Inaugural Formula 1 Chassis MAC-26

2026-03-01 companies

Detroit, Saturday, 28 February 2026.
Cadillac designates its debut chassis MAC-26, explicitly standing for “Mario Andretti Cadillac,” ensuring the 1978 champion’s legacy physically leads the American team onto the grid.

A Tribute to Heritage on the Eve of a New Era

General Motors (NYSE: GM) has cemented the legacy of an American icon within its motorsport division just as the company prepares for its highest-profile racing debut. On Friday, February 27, 2026, the Cadillac Formula 1 team confirmed that its inaugural chassis will be designated the MAC-26, an acronym standing for “Mario Andretti Cadillac” followed by the model year [1][3][7]. The announcement arrived just ahead of Mario Andretti’s 86th birthday on February 28, a timing that the 1978 World Champion described as the “ultimate compliment” [2][5][6]. This branding strategy ensures that while the team enters the grid under the corporate banner of Cadillac, the Andretti name—synonymous with American racing success—remains physically attached to the car [1][5].

Navigating a Complex Path to the Grid

The road to the MAC-26’s debut has been characterized by significant corporate and political maneuvering. The entry initially began as a bid by Mario’s son, Michael Andretti, to found a new Formula 1 team under the banner of Andretti Global [1][5]. However, that initial proposal faced rejection from Formula One Management in January 2024 [3]. Following a strategic pivot that saw Michael Andretti step aside, the project was reconstituted under Towriss’s TWG Motorsports in collaboration with General Motors, eventually securing approval to compete starting in the 2026 season [2][4][7]. While the team is no longer branded “Andretti Global,” Mario Andretti has retained his position as a key ambassador for the program [5][7].

Operational Readiness for Melbourne

With the branding established, Cadillac’s focus has shifted to the operational realities of the 2026 season. The team has completed its preseason testing program, logging miles at circuits in Barcelona and Bahrain to prepare the new machinery [2]. The MAC-26 is scheduled to make its competitive debut on March 8, 2026, at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne [3][7]. Driving duties for the season have been assigned to veterans Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, providing the rookie team with a wealth of experience to rely upon during its development phase [1][2].

Sources

General Motors Formula 1