Michael Andretti 'fully supportive' of GM-Cadillac's F1 efforts
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Michael Andretti's dream of becoming an F1 team boss has slipped through his fingers, but the American racing legend has pledged his unwavering support for General Motors and its Cadillac brand as they spearhead the effort to join the championship in 2026.
Andretti Global had long been at the forefront of a campaign to secure an F1 entry, submitting an application to the FIA and laying the groundwork for a team.
However, it was announced on Monday that global automotive powerhouse, General Motors, will now head the project under the Cadillac name.
Formula 1 confirmed an "agreement in principle" to support GM-Cadillac's bid to enter the sport. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem lauded the move, emphasizing GM's strong global presence and the collaborative efforts to reach this point.
"General Motors is a huge global brand and powerhouse in the OEM world and is working with impressive partners," said Ben Sulayem.
"I am fully supportive of the efforts made by the FIA, Formula 1, GM, and the team to maintain dialogue and work towards this outcome of an agreement in principle to progress this application to bring a GM/Cadillac branded team onto the grid for the 2026 FIA Formula 1 World Championship.
"All parties, including the FIA, will continue to work together to ensure the process progresses smoothly."
Michael Andretti's relationship with Formula 1 has been fraught with challenges, with his initial proposals met with skepticism. However, a pivotal decision last September, when Andretti relinquished his executive responsibilities with Andretti Global, marked a turning point.
Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Global, which owns Andretti Global, recognized the need for a revised approach.
By significantly increasing GM's role in the endeavor, the project evolved from an Andretti-led team intending to use customer Renault engines to a full GM-backed initiative.
©GM/Cadillac
The revamped proposal now envisions a Cadillac F1 team, initially powered by customer engines, likely Ferrari or Honda, before transitioning to a full works team with GM manufacturing its own power unit by "the end of the decade", according to the company.
Though no longer the driving force behind the project, Andretti expressed pride in what the team has achieved and vowed to back their efforts.
"The Cadillac F1 Team is made up of a strong group of people that have worked tirelessly to build an American works team," Andretti wrote on social media.
"I'm very proud of the hard work they have put in and congratulate all involved on this momentous next step. I will be cheering for you!"
While Michael Andretti steps back, his father, racing legend Mario Andretti, has been named a director on the board of the GM-Cadillac F1 team, ensuring the Andretti family remains tied to the project.
©Andretti
As GM prepares to join the grid, speculation is rife about the team's initial engine supplier. Ferrari is rumored to be the leading candidate, but Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur downplayed the talk last weekend in Las Vegas.
First let's wait that we have an 11th team on the grid before we discuss about engines," he told the media.
The transition from Andretti Global to GM-Cadillac marks a significant shift, with Formula 1 now viewing the proposal as a stronger prospect that adds more value to the series.
GM's entry will bring an American works team to the grid, aligning with the sport's growing presence in the United States.
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