Cadillac honors Mario Andretti
If it hadn’t been for the Andretti family, the process that then led to the birth of Cadillac would not have even begun. The Americans have therefore rewarded the perseverance of the 1978 world champion (and his son Michael, who then stepped aside just to get the project off the ground) by naming the debut car in the F1 World Championship after him: “Cadillac announces today that its first Formula 1 chassis will bear the designation MAC-26, namely Mario Andretti Cadillac 26, in honor of 1978 Formula 1 world champion Mario Andretti and his lasting influence on the formation of the team and its competitive ambition“.
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For Andretti, it is a very welcome birthday present – tomorrow, February 28, Piedone turns 86 – which rewards all his efforts of recent years, made despite the initial ostracism of FOM and Liberty Media towards the participation of an 11th team.
Towriss’s words
“The name of our first chassis, MAC-26, reflects the spirit that Mario brought to Formula 1 and the belief that an American team has the right to be on this stage. His story embodies the American dream and inspires the way we approach building this team every day“, commented Cadillac CEO Dan Towriss.
Lowdon’s words
“Mario Andretti is a Formula 1 legend. A true driver who knows how to win and push beyond the limits of the possible“, added team principal Graeme Lowdon. “But beyond that, he is an incredible man with a kind heart who believes in everyone’s ability to shape their own destiny. At the beginning of my journey with the team, he asked me not to let him down: I hope he will be proud to finally see the Cadillac bearing his name on the track“.
Andretti’s words
“Racing has been the joy of my life. It is the greatest compliment that Cadillac considers those years significant and worthy of being remembered with this honor. I appreciate the opportunity it gives me to have a lasting connection with F1 and I am sincerely grateful to all those who continue to recognize my role in racing history“.
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