Cadillac has revealed the name of its first-ever Formula 1 chassis, honouring American motorsport icon Mario Andretti.
The Ferrari-powered machine, due to be driven by Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, will be designated as the MAC-26, or Mario Andretti Cadillac 26.
Andretti is regarded as one of the greatest drivers in motorsport history, and remains the only driver to win the F1 world championship, the Indianapolis 500, and the Daytona 500 as well as four IndyCar titles, and multiple successes in sportscars.
The 1978 F1 champion is due to celebrate his 86th birthday tomorrow, with the honour being bestowed upon the team ambassador.
Cadillac has described the move as recognising "Andretti's legacy whilst establishing a standard of excellence that guides the organisation as it prepares for its debut season.
"The tribute reinforces a forward-looking identity rooted in performance and the pursuit of results at the highest level of motorsport, coupled with humility, humanity and passion."
Reflecting on the announcement, Andretti called it the "ultimate compliment."
"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 honour," he said.
"I cherish the opportunity that it gives me to have a lasting bond with F1 and am genuinely appreciative of everyone who continues to acknowledge my part in racing history.”
Cadillac CEO Dan Towriss added that Andretti's story "embodies the American dream and inspires how we approach building this team every day," whilst team principal Graeme Lowdon recalled a personal instruction from Andretti when the team started following Andretti Global's aborted attempt to become the 11th team on the grid.
"Mario Andretti is a legend of Formula 1. A true racer who knows how to win and push the limits of what is possible," Lowdon said.
"But more than that, he is an incredible man with a gentle heart who believes in everyone’s ability to shape their own path. 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."
2026 F1 car names
| Team | Chassis name |
|---|---|
| McLaren | MCL40 |
| Mercedes | W17 |
| Red Bull | RB22 |
| Ferrari | SF-26 |
| Williams | FW48 |
| Racing Bulls | VCARB03 |
| Aston Martin | AMR26 |
| Haas | VF-26 |
| Audi | R26 |
| Alpine | A526 |
| Cadillac | MAC-26 |
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