Mario Andretti will return to Formula 1 as Cadillac director in 2026.

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Former driver Mario Andretti, the 1978 Formula 1 world champion, will be part of the new General Motors/Cadillac team, which will begin its journey in 2026. While his role will not be executive, Andretti will participate as a director of the project’s board. , marking the long-awaited return of his name to the highest category of motorsport.

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Yesterday, Formula 1 officially unveiled a “principle agreement” to bring an eleventh General Motors team onto the grid with Cadillac for 2026. It should be remembered that the original project promoted by Andretti was rejected, and a few months ago Michael Andretti decided to take a step back. However, as part of this updated plan, the team will be absorbed by GM/Cadillac management in conjunction with TWG Global, the parent company of Andretti Global.

Although the project will no longer carry the family name, General Motors has assured that they will continue to maintain contact through Mario Andretti, who will continue to be a significant figure. In a message published on the Cadillac F1 team wants me around… I will help where I can in a non-executive role within the team without being involved in day-to-day operations. (because I don’t want to work) but advice, inspirationfriendship wherever I can. “I was more than lucky,” he says. Motorsport.

Mario Andretti, who has in the past been critical of Formula 1’s stance on joining his original project, stressed that he is excited to see it achieve what it set out to do. “My first love was Formula 1 and now, 70 years later, the Formula 1 paddock is still my happy place.

. I am absolutely delighted with Cadillac, Formula 1, Mark Walter and Dan Taurisse. “I’m still involved in this at this point in my life… I have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming,” he said.

Andretti’s legacy remains

For his part, Michael Andretti, Mario’s son and the project’s original promoter, will not be part of the new structure, and although he has had to see its evolution from the sidelines, he has shown his full support for the team. “Team Cadillac F1 is made up of a strong group of people who have worked tirelessly to build an American factory team.

“he stated in a post on social networks.

“I take a lot of pride in hard work. what did they do and I congratulate everyone involved for this important step. “I will cheer them on!”