Andretti sets deadline for Cadillac F1 driver decision

Mario Andretti has detailed when the Cadillac F1 team will take a decision regarding its driver line-up for the 2026 season.

The new F1 squad is on the verge of being accepted onto the grid for next season after reaching an agreement in principle with the sport late last year.

The project was originally started by Mario's son Michael, however, the latter stepped away from the setup last year with General Motors moving to the forefront of the scheme.

As the team continues to take shape, the driver line-up has been the subject of some intrigue.

Andretti, who is serving on the board of directors at the Cadillac F1 squad, suggested a decision will be taken in the mid-part of the year.

“Yes, everything is ongoing right now,” the 84-year-old told motorsport.com. 

“You think about those things every day, and that's going to become official probably mid-year. 

“There are many considerations. If you even read social media, people are just floating around certain names and so forth.”

Andretti has maintained that an American driver and an F1 veteran remain the ideal line-up for the team. 

“But we are obviously looking at every aspect of every opportunity that's there. 

“It's clear that the objectives are to have at least one American driver and then another experienced driver alongside and start like that.”

IndyCar star Colton Herta has long been linked with a switch to F1.

When asked if the 24-year-old is at the top of the list of American drivers it is considering, Andretti replied: “I would say so.”