AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • WRC
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • WRC
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

From Andretti to Cadillac: The Evolution of F1’s 11th Team – “Cadillac F1 Team wants me around”

Simon Monroy by Simon Monroy
January 9, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
From Andretti to Cadillac: The Evolution of F1’s 11th Team – “Cadillac F1 Team wants me around”

What began as an Andretti family-driven ambition to enter Formula 1 has now evolved into a monumental project under the Cadillac and General Motors banner. With Michael Andretti stepping aside and Cadillac taking center stage, this historic bid has taken several twists, reshaping the future of the sport.


Andretti’s Ambitious Start Meets Resistance

Initially spearheaded by Michael Andretti through Andretti Global, the push to bring an 11th team into Formula 1 was met with mixed responses. While the FIA approved the bid, Formula One Management (FOM) rebuffed the application, citing concerns over the team’s ability to add value and remain competitive.

Months of lobbying, public appeals, and mounting pressure from the Andretti camp couldn’t sway the commercial rights holder. However, dramatic changes behind the scenes have turned the tide.


A Power Shift: Cadillac Steps In

In a pivotal move, Michael Andretti relinquished his executive role at Andretti Global, passing leadership to Dan Towriss, his partner and TWG Global CEO. This transition coincided with General Motors increasing its involvement, rebranding the project under its flagship brand, Cadillac.

The restructuring seemingly alleviated FOM’s initial concerns, positioning the team as a well-funded, manufacturer-backed enterprise capable of making an impact.

Adding to the intrigue, the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee launched an investigation into Liberty Media, Formula 1’s parent company, over potential antitrust violations tied to the rejection of Andretti’s initial bid. Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei also stepped down, further complicating the landscape.


Mario Andretti’s Enduring Role

While Michael Andretti stepped out of the spotlight, his father, 1978 F1 World Champion Mario Andretti, has remained a cherished figure in the project. At 84 years old, Mario will join the Cadillac F1 Team’s board as a non-executive director, offering wisdom and guidance.

Reflecting on his new role, Mario expressed his gratitude:

“My first love was Formula 1, and now—70 years later—the F1 paddock is still my happy place. I’m absolutely thrilled with Cadillac, Formula 1, Mark Walter, and Dan Towriss. To still be involved at this stage of my life—I have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.”

While he won’t be part of the day-to-day operations, Mario’s influence as an advisor and ambassador is expected to bring invaluable experience to the project.


The Road Ahead

Cadillac’s entry, set for 2026, marks a new chapter for Formula 1. General Motors plans to build its own engine by the end of the decade, but the team will initially run customer power units, with Ferrari emerging as the frontrunner supplier.

The team’s Silverstone-based facility, originally developed by Andretti Global, remains a cornerstone of the project, along with a growing roster of experienced personnel, including former Renault engineers Pat Symonds, Nick Chester, and Rob White.


A Dream Realized

From facing outright rejection to being embraced as a credible F1 entrant, the journey of Andretti Global—now Cadillac F1 Team—highlights the shifting dynamics of the sport. For Mario Andretti, this is more than a team; it’s the culmination of a lifelong passion.

“I’ll help where I can, offering advice, inspiration, friendship,” Mario said. “I’m beyond fortunate.”

With Cadillac’s robust backing and a legacy of racing excellence, the team is set to make waves when it hits the grid in 2026.

Share243Tweet152Send

Related Posts

Daniel Ricciardo’s Fate Hangs in the Balance Amid Max Verstappen’s Potential Ban
Motorsports

Daniel Ricciardo’s Fate Hangs in the Balance Amid Max Verstappen’s Potential Ban

Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

by Redação
June 6, 2025
Alex Palou Defies Formula 1 Temptation: Commits to Dominating IndyCar Glory
Motorsports

Alex Palou Defies Formula 1 Temptation: Commits to Dominating IndyCar Glory

Chip Ganassi Racing driver Alex Palou (10) wins the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 Sunday, May 25, 2025, at...

by Redação
June 6, 2025
Lewis Hamilton Blames Verstappen Chaos for Radio Drama: Ferrari Boss Reveals Shocking Details
Motorsports

Lewis Hamilton Blames Verstappen Chaos for Radio Drama: Ferrari Boss Reveals Shocking Details

Formula One F1 - Spanish Grand Prix - Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain - May 30, 2025 Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton...

by Carl Smith
June 6, 2025
Daniel Ricciardo: The Spectacular Savior Red Bull Needs for Max Verstappen’s Potential Ban
Motorsports

Daniel Ricciardo: The Spectacular Savior Red Bull Needs for Max Verstappen’s Potential Ban

Is Daniel Ricciardo the Savior Red Bull Needs to Replace Max Verstappen if Banned? Formula 1 fans, brace yourselves for...

by Redação
June 6, 2025

Recent News

Daniel Ricciardo’s Fate Hangs in the Balance Amid Max Verstappen’s Potential Ban

Daniel Ricciardo’s Fate Hangs in the Balance Amid Max Verstappen’s Potential Ban

June 6, 2025
Alex Palou Defies Formula 1 Temptation: Commits to Dominating IndyCar Glory

Alex Palou Defies Formula 1 Temptation: Commits to Dominating IndyCar Glory

June 6, 2025
Lewis Hamilton Blames Verstappen Chaos for Radio Drama: Ferrari Boss Reveals Shocking Details

Lewis Hamilton Blames Verstappen Chaos for Radio Drama: Ferrari Boss Reveals Shocking Details

June 6, 2025
Daniel Ricciardo: The Spectacular Savior Red Bull Needs for Max Verstappen’s Potential Ban

Daniel Ricciardo: The Spectacular Savior Red Bull Needs for Max Verstappen’s Potential Ban

June 6, 2025

Newsletter

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • WRC
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

Enable Notifications OK No thanks