Cadillac has officially revealed the name of its debut Formula 1 car for the 2026 season — the Cadillac MAC-26, standing for Mario Andretti Cadillac 26 — paying tribute to American racing legend Mario Andretti. The announcement marks a significant milestone for the Detroit-based automaker as it prepares to join Formula 1 as the sport’s 11th team, making it the second American-owned squad on the grid after Haas.

A Legacy Honored

The naming of the MAC-26 celebrates Mario Andretti’s profound influence on motorsport. Andretti, the last American to win the F1 World Championship in 1978, expressed deep gratitude over the honor: “Racing has been the joy of my life. It is the ultimate compliment that the Cadillac Formula 1 Team sees those years as meaningful and worthy of recording with this honor. I cherish the opportunity that it gives me to have a lasting bond with F1.”

Andretti also praised the recognition of his contributions to racing history, noting that the gesture strengthens his connection to the sport he helped shape. He now holds a non-executive board position and serves as team ambassador for Cadillac’s F1 effort.

From Andretti Global to Cadillac

The entry into Formula 1 began as the Andretti Global project, led by Mario’s son, Michael Andretti. Despite strong ambitions, F1 rejected the initial application in January 2024. However, after Michael stepped back and General Motors rebranded the project under the Cadillac name, F1 reversed its decision by the end of 2024, approving the team’s participation starting in 2026.

This strategic pivot not only solidified GM’s commitment to global motorsport but also ensured the door remained open for an American presence in F1 during a period of growing international expansion.

Leadership and Expectations

Graeme Lowdon, Cadillac’s team principal, lauded Andretti’s legacy both on and off the track: “Mario Andretti is a legend of Formula 1, a true racer who knows how to win and push the limits of what is possible. But more than that, he is an incredible man with a gentle heart who believes in everyone’s ability to shape their own path.”

Lowdon shared a personal moment of inspiration: “At the start of my own journey with the team, he asked me not to let him down. I hope that he will be proud to see the Cadillac Formula 1 Team car bearing his name finally take to the grid.”

On Track to Debut

Though still in development, the Cadillac MAC-26 has already undergone preliminary testing with seasoned race drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez at the wheel. The team previously unveiled its striking livery during a high-profile Super Bowl advertisement, generating early fan excitement.

The car is set for its official Formula 1 debut at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix on March 8, where the world will see the MAC-26 take on F1’s elite under the bright lights of Melbourne.