Interview
Cadillac go for the F1 title: 'If you don't think big, you never succeed'
The new Cadillac Formula 1 Team, which will make their debut Formula 1 in 2026, are going for the very top, Mario Andretti said talking exclusively to GPblog. The Americans' intentions, he says, don't need to doubted. "There's a commitment, a 10-year commitment right now at least, so a lot of things to look forward to.."
Mario Andretti is now 84 years old, but he is still going strong. The 1978 Formula 1 world champion is even starting a new adventure in Formula 1. Cadillac F1's Director of the board will soon be written on the American's business card. "Well, it means that I have something to say as far as suggestions on my part on some important issues on the makeup of the team," he said about his role
"Obviously, I am a mission advisor, so to speak. My suggestion can be taken or not. But I'd like to have that opportunity. I do have some experience in the game and especially the driver selection [would come to me], I would suspect. But yes, just to be part in any way, it's something I definitely look forward to for sure."
Without Michael, with Cadillac
Andretti Sr is beginning history next adventure without his son, Michael. For years, the intention was for Michael Andretti to become the 11th team in F1 with his Andretti Global, and with Cadillac as a partner. But F1 was not enthusiastic. After Michael Andretti stepped down from his own company, F1 did want to welcome the team. So Michael Andretti was the difference between 'yes' and 'no'. "It looks like that way, obviously. I think there were some objections for whatever reason. But, right now, with Cadillac, they paved the way, and we go with that."
Asked whether Mario Andretti is annoyed that Michael can't be there, he says: "Well it is what it, to accomplish main objective sometimes you have to be flexible and I just look forward to remain positive in every way. Everyone is happy, quite honestly. I think Michael expressed himself quite clearly. And so, there's no negatives here in any way."
"The main part is that the US is represented by this biggest manufacturer and this is in itself is a historic moment, GM, Cadillac, were never officially part of Formula One and so it bodes very well for the series, but also to have a proper US representation."
Cadillac with big plans
Andretti already mentioned that Colton Herta is one of the potential drivers to join and Ferrari should supply power units for team in the 2026 and 2027 season. Ultimately, Cadillac want to play a major role in F1. "Obviously for the long term, the team is going to be fielding Formula 3 team and Formula 2 to give youngsters in the future the opportunity to experience that and be evaluated."
"So it's a long-term plan here. And the objectives are to have American representation. Certainly, like we said, full-fledged team with the American Power Unit and all that. And so there's a lot of work ahead. But the future is, there's a commitment, a 10-year commitment right now at least, so a lot of things to look forward to."
Ultimately, Cadillac want to win Grands Prix and championships in F1. "From the beginning, you have to have the mindset that you're reaching for the maximum. There's no other way to look at it. If you're settling in your mind going in, you have no chance of really doing anything better than what you would hope. So, yes, I mean, sometimes you don't want to express yourself. But deep down, you know what, the first race that I ever competed in personally, I had winning in my mind. Nothing wrong with that," the 1978 champion concluded.
This article was written in collaboration with Kada Sárközi
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