Cadillac has unveiled its first Formula 1 car for the 2026 season, naming it the MAC-26 in honor of racing legend Mario Andretti. The American manufacturer's entry into F1 marks a significant milestone as the sport's first start-up team in a decade. The name pays tribute to Andretti's 1978 world championship victory with Lotus.

Andretti, now 85, was instrumental in bringing the team to F1 through his son Michael's Andretti Autosport. While he's taken a backseat role, his influence remains strong. Team principal Graeme Lowdon frequently quotes Andretti's famous line about speed, reflecting the breakneck pace at which Cadillac assembled its F1 operation across two continents.

The MAC-26 completed 3,935 km of testing with drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas. Despite expected teething issues, Cadillac aims to avoid last place on the grid when the season opens in Australia. Team owner Dan Towriss emphasized that naming the car after Andretti embodies the American dream and inspires the team's approach to building a competitive F1 operation.