Cadillac F1 pays tribute to former Formula One World Champion ahead of Formula One debut

Cadillac’s long-anticipated arrival in Formula One carries a powerful nod to history. Ahead of its competitive debut at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, the American manufacturer has christened its inaugural F1 challenger the MAC-26 — a direct tribute to 1978 Formula One World Champion Mario Andretti.

MAC-26: A name rooted in legacy

The “MA” in MAC-26 stands for Mario Andretti, with the full acronym rendered as “Mario Andretti Cadillac.” The decision places the Andretti name at the heart of Cadillac’s first Formula One chassis, formally linking the new General Motors-backed program to one of the sport’s most iconic figures.

Andretti, who serves as an ambassador and early advisor to the project, welcomed the recognition.

"Racing has been the joy of my life," said Andretti. "It is the ultimate compliment that the Cadillac Formula 1 Team sees those years as meaningful and worthy of recording with this honor. 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."

Melbourne debut awaits

The MAC-26 will make its first official on-track appearance during practice for the Australian Grand Prix. Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez are set to complete the car’s initial competitive laps, marking a significant milestone for the newly formed team.

Team leadership has expressed pride in carrying Andretti’s name into this new chapter, describing him as “a legend of Formula 1” and crediting his influence on the foundation of the program.

A new era for Cadillac in F1

Cadillac’s Formula One project evolved from earlier entry efforts and now arrives as a GM-run operation built with long-term ambitions. While immediate race wins may not be expected in its debut season, the Melbourne weekend represents the first step in a carefully planned development journey.

With the MAC-26 name etched into Formula One’s 2026 grid, Cadillac’s entry blends heritage with ambition — honoring a world champion while carving out its own place in the sport’s modern era.