Mario Andretti honored as Cadillac names inaugural F1 chassis MAC-26

Cadillac has named its first Formula 1 chassis MAC-26, short for Mario Andretti Cadillac, ahead of its debut at the Australian Grand Prix, and the tribute coincides with Andretti's 86th birthday.

Cadillac has unveiled a tribute to Mario Andretti as it prepares to join Formula 1. The General Motors brand is set to make its race debut at the Australian Grand Prix next weekend. The team completed three preseason tests in Barcelona and Bahrain with drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas. Cadillac announced its inaugural chassis will be designated MAC-26, short for Mario Andretti Cadillac, in recognition of Andretti's role in the team's creation. Key points: - Cadillac will enter Formula 1 as the 11th team on the grid and is scheduled to debut at the Australian Grand Prix. - The first chassis is designated MAC-26, an abbreviation of Mario Andretti Cadillac. - The team completed three preseason tests in Barcelona and Bahrain with drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas. - Mario Andretti was involved in the squad's entry process and the naming coincides with his 86th birthday. - The current entry followed a long process: the original Andretti Global bid was rejected by Formula One Management, and TWG later partnered with GM and Cadillac to secure a place on the grid. Summary: The chassis naming honors Andretti's contribution to the creation of the new team and establishes a public link between the brand and a prominent American racing figure. Cadillac's first Formula 1 race weekend is the Australian Grand Prix next weekend, and the team will continue to develop through the 2026 season.