Cadillac's First Formula 1 Car Named After Mario Andretti

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Cadillac's new Formula 1 team will debut its first car, the MAC-26, at the Australian Grand Prix next week. The "MA" in the car's name is a reference to 1978 F1 champion Mario Andretti, who has served as an advisor to the Cadillac F1 program.

Why it matters

This marks the realization of the Andretti family's dream to have their name on the grid as a Formula 1 constructor, even if it's not under the Andretti brand itself. Cadillac's entry into F1 is also significant as the first American manufacturer to compete in the sport in decades.

The details

Cadillac's F1 team was originally founded by Mario Andretti's son Michael, but after his team was rejected, the same group of partners formed the Cadillac program instead. Mario Andretti has remained involved as an advisor, leading to his name being featured on the team's first car, the MAC-26.

• Cadillac's MAC-26 will make its debut at the Australian Grand Prix next Sunday.
• Four years ago, Mario Andretti confirmed his son Michael was attempting to start a new F1 team.

What’s next

Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez will turn the first official laps in the MAC-26 during practice for the Australian Grand Prix next week.