02/27/26 10:45:00
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02/27 10:43 CST Cadillac names its first F1 car after Mario Andretti in
'ultimate compliment'
Cadillac names its first F1 car after Mario Andretti in 'ultimate compliment'
SILVERSTONE, England (AP) --- Cadillac is naming its first Formula 1 car in
honor of 1978 champion Mario Andretti, who calls it the "ultimate compliment"
ahead of the team's inaugural race next week at the season-opening Australian
Grand Prix.
F1's new 11th team announced on Friday its car will be the MAC-26, short for
Mario Andretti Cadillac, for the most recent American F1 champion.
"Naming our first chassis MAC-26 reflects the spirit Mario carried into Formula
1 and the belief that an American team belongs on this stage," said Dan
Towriss, chief executive of Cadillac Formula 1 Team Holdings.
"His story embodies the American dream and inspires how we approach building
this team every day."
Andretti is an ambassador for the General Motors-backed Cadillac team, whose F1
entry originated with a bid fronted by his son Michael under the Andretti
Global name.
The original bid was rejected by Liberty Media, the commercial rights holder of
F1, amid prolonged wrangling. Michael Andretti stepped aside and the entry was
restructured with Towriss at the helm and an increased role for GM.
"Racing has been the joy of my life. It is the ultimate compliment that
Cadillac Formula 1 Team sees those years as meaningful and worthy of recording
with this honor," Mario Andretti said in a statement.
"I cherish the opportunity that it gives me to have a lasting board with F1 and
am genuinely appreciative of everyone who continues to acknowledge my part in
racing history."
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AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing
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