The newly formed Cadillac Formula One team announced Friday that their inaugural racing vehicle will carry the designation MAC-26, paying homage to American motorsports legend Mario Andretti, the 1978 world champion.
The racing icon, who turns 86 on Saturday, serves as a board member for the General Motors-supported American squad set to become the eleventh team competing when the new season kicks off March 8 in Australia.
Andretti played a crucial role in obtaining the team’s position on the grid, following resistance from current teams to an earlier bid spearheaded by his son Michael, who eventually withdrew from the project.
The acronym MAC represents Mario Andretti Cadillac.
Team CEO Dan Towriss explained the naming decision in a statement: “Naming our first chassis MAC-26 reflects the spirit Mario carried into Formula One and the belief that an American team belongs on this stage. His story embodies the American dream and inspires how we approach building this team every day.”
The squad will field veteran drivers Sergio Perez from Mexico and Finland’s Valtteri Bottas for the upcoming season.
