Cadillac Names 2026 F1 Car MAC-26 in Tribute to Mario Andretti

Cadillac has officially named its 2026 Formula 1 car the MAC-26, a direct tribute to U.S. world champion and Indy 500 winner Mario Andretti. The name, which stands for Mario Andretti Cadillac, acknowledges Andretti's foundational role in the project to establish an F1 team. The team is currently led by TWG Motorsports CEO Dan Towriss and team principal Graeme Lowdon.

Rationale Behind the Naming

Dan Towriss stated that the MAC-26 name signifies "the spirit Mario carried into Formula 1 and the belief that an American team belongs on this stage." He added that Andretti's personal story influences the team's daily operations.

"It is the ultimate compliment that the team acknowledges his racing history."

Mario Andretti expressed his honor at the association of his name with the new U.S.-owned F1 team, which he previously raced for in 1978. He commented that it is "the ultimate compliment" that the team acknowledges his racing history.

Andretti's Enduring Influence

Team Principal Graeme Lowdon has highlighted Andretti's significant influence on the team's rapid development. Lowdon referenced one of Andretti's quotes to illustrate the pace at which Cadillac assembled its F1 team.

"If everything seems under control, you're not going fast enough." - Mario Andretti (as referenced by Graeme Lowdon)

Lowdon described Andretti as a champion whose competitive spirit and winning mentality inspire the team.

Team Development and Ambition

Cadillac, as the first new start-up team in a decade, has fulfilled all development deadlines. The team participated in three winter tests, where drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas covered a combined 3935km in the Ferrari-engined MAC-26. The team aims to compete with Aston Martin in the upcoming season opener in Australia.