Mario Andretti Joins Cadillac F1 Board, Credits Son Michael for Making the Project a Reality

IndyCar and Formula 1 legend Mario Andretti has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the upcoming Cadillac F1 Team, which is set to make its Formula 1 debut in 2026. The 1978 F1 World Champion and IndyCar icon recently praised his son, Michael Andretti, for being the driving force behind Cadillac’s long-awaited entry into the sport.

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From Andretti Global to Cadillac F1

When Formula One Management (FOM) opened the door for an 11th team to join the grid, Michael Andretti spearheaded a bid for Andretti Global, backed by General Motors and its Cadillac brand. However, FOM ultimately rejected the proposal, citing concerns about the team’s commercial value and readiness, despite FIA approval.

Undeterred, Andretti restructured the effort. He stepped down as CEO of Andretti Global, and the new entry was refiled under Cadillac’s name, with support from both General Motors and the Andretti family. The revised application was subsequently approved by both the FIA and FOM, clearing the way for Cadillac F1’s official entry into Formula 1.

The team will operate under the TWG Motorsports umbrella, the same parent company that oversees Andretti Global’s racing operations across IndyCar, Formula E, and other categories.

Mario Andretti: “Michael Deserves the Credit”

Following his appointment to Cadillac F1’s board, Mario Andretti spoke with La Gazzetta dello Sport about the project and his son’s role in making it happen.

“My son Michael deserves credit,” Andretti said. “To be honest, I’ve never even had much interest in managing teams. Precisely for the reason I mentioned before: I was only interested in driving.”

The elder Andretti, who remains one of the most respected figures in global motorsport, emphasized that Cadillac F1’s journey is a testament to Michael’s vision and persistence in bringing an American manufacturer to the world stage.

Cadillac’s 2026 Lineup Takes Shape

Cadillac F1 has already confirmed its driver lineup for the 2026 season. Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas will lead the team’s inaugural campaign, bringing a wealth of Formula 1 experience to the new operation.

Colton Herta, who currently competes for Andretti Global in IndyCar, has been named the team’s reserve driver. Herta was originally linked to a full-time seat but fell short of the FIA Super Licence requirements. To address that, he will race in Formula 2 next year to accumulate the necessary points for a future F1 opportunity.

A New American Chapter in Formula 1

With Cadillac’s entry, Formula 1 will see the return of a fully American-backed team, a milestone decades in the making. For Mario Andretti, now serving on the board, it’s a full-circle moment: from winning the F1 World Championship as a driver to helping guide a new American manufacturer into the sport his family has long defined.

“This is something special,” Andretti said. “It’s not just about racing, it’s about proving that American engineering and passion belong at the top of motorsport.”

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