AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • 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
    • 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.

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

Brad Keselowski’s Insatiable Hunger for Victory Unleashed Despite Recent Top Performances
Motorsports

Brad Keselowski’s Insatiable Hunger for Victory Unleashed Despite Recent Top Performances

Jim Dedmon

by Harry Stone
June 28, 2025
Takamoto Katsuta’s Acropolis Rally Tragedy: Unlucky Mistake Costs Top-Five Finish
Motorsports

Takamoto Katsuta’s Acropolis Rally Tragedy: Unlucky Mistake Costs Top-Five Finish

Jaanus Ree / Red Bull Content Pool

by James Taylor
June 28, 2025
Lewis Hamilton: Red-Flagged Qualifying Drama at Austrian Grand Prix Sparks Chaos
Motorsports

Lewis Hamilton: Red-Flagged Qualifying Drama at Austrian Grand Prix Sparks Chaos

Formula One F1 - Austrian Grand Prix - Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Austria - June 28, 2025 Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton...

by David Castro
June 28, 2025
Carlos Sainz battles unexpected floor damage, suffers shock Q1 exit in Austria
Motorsports

Carlos Sainz battles unexpected floor damage, suffers shock Q1 exit in Austria

This asset - including all text, audio and imagery - is provided by Imagn Images. Reuters Connect has not verified...

by Redação
June 28, 2025

Recent News

Brad Keselowski’s Insatiable Hunger for Victory Unleashed Despite Recent Top Performances

Brad Keselowski’s Insatiable Hunger for Victory Unleashed Despite Recent Top Performances

June 28, 2025
Takamoto Katsuta’s Acropolis Rally Tragedy: Unlucky Mistake Costs Top-Five Finish

Takamoto Katsuta’s Acropolis Rally Tragedy: Unlucky Mistake Costs Top-Five Finish

June 28, 2025
Lewis Hamilton: Red-Flagged Qualifying Drama at Austrian Grand Prix Sparks Chaos

Lewis Hamilton: Red-Flagged Qualifying Drama at Austrian Grand Prix Sparks Chaos

June 28, 2025
Carlos Sainz battles unexpected floor damage, suffers shock Q1 exit in Austria

Carlos Sainz battles unexpected floor damage, suffers shock Q1 exit in Austria

June 28, 2025

Newsletter

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

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • 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