The Andretti family will retain a connection to General Motors’ (GM) revised plans for a Formula 1 team, with 1978 world champion Mario Andretti taking on a non-executive role as a board director.
On Monday, Formula 1 announced that it had reached a preliminary agreement to allow GM to enter the championship in 2026 with its own team. This development marks a significant step forward following the rejection earlier this year of the original proposal for a Cadillac-backed Andretti entry.
The updated plan sees Michael Andretti, the founder of the original team, stepping back from the project. Consequently, the Andretti name will no longer feature in the operation, which will now be a GM/Cadillac entry in partnership with TWG Global, the parent company of Andretti Global. However, GM has confirmed that the Andretti family will still play a role in the venture. Mario Andretti, in particular, will serve as a board director, offering guidance and inspiration, though he will not be involved in the daily management of the team.
Mario shared his thoughts on X, expressing gratitude for the opportunity. “I feel incredibly fortunate to still be involved in something I love after all these years. The Cadillac F1 Team has given me a role where I can offer advice, friendship, and inspiration without having to take on a full-time job. It’s an honor to be part of this journey,” he wrote. Reflecting on his lifelong connection to Formula 1, he added, “Formula 1 was my first love, and after 70 years, it still feels like home. I’m thrilled to work alongside Cadillac, Mark Walter, and Dan Towriss. To still be involved at this stage of my life feels surreal.”
Mario had previously criticized Formula 1 for what he saw as unfair treatment in rejecting Andretti’s original entry bid. Despite stepping away, Michael Andretti also expressed his support for GM’s efforts. On X, he praised the team, saying, “The Cadillac F1 Team represents a dedicated group that has worked tirelessly to build an American works team. I’m incredibly proud of their efforts and will be cheering for their success!”
