Mario Andretti reveals new role with General Motors F1 entry after son Michael’s exit
Mario Andretti opens up about his role as an advisor for the General Motors' Cadillac F1 entry in 2026, amidst his son exit.
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Mario and Michael Andretti, images via IMAGO and Autosport
F1 finally decided to allow the General Motors entry after Michael Andretti stepped down from the project’s lead. People speculated that Andretti was a major factor behind F1’s disapproval of the proposed entry. However, his father, Mario Andretti was appointed as an advisor in the board of directors in the project and reflected upon his new role in building America’s new team.
Mario Andretti is a motorsport legend. The 84-year-old has raced in multiple series and has reigned on all of them. He won his F1 world championship back in 1978 and has closely been tied to the circus. On the other hand, his son Michael Andretti had a contrasting image in the paddock.
The 62-year-old was reckoned to be overly aggressive by F1 members. This led to his bid of a new F1 entry getting cancelled by the FOM. However, as soon as he stepped down from his role as CEO of Andretti and the project’s lead, Cadillac-General Motors were made the de facto leaders.
This earned the approval of F1 and the team soon started taking shape. With the American outfit having tasked with becoming a giant of racing, they brought in the 62-year-old’s father, Mario Andretti to lead the way.
Michael is stepping aside a little bit, trying to enjoy life in a different way. But I still like to have involvement, and when I was invited to still be with the Cadillac team and have some say about drivers and all that — that’s what interests me more than anything.
Mario Andretti said (via PlanetF1)
However, the paddock is quite ruthless. Over the past few decades, multiple new teams have ended operations due to their inability to bag in results. Making the GM-Cadillac entry a huge gamble if the team is unable to breakthrough from the rear of the field.
Mario Andretti reveals expectations from General Motors in 2026
Knowing the importance of getting results, GM has laid out a timeline for getting to the front of the field. With an ex-F1 champion consulting them along the way, they would like to recreate Mercedes–Niki Lauda‘s partnership and bring in championships.
However, the team is expected to begin their ascent from struggles. Andretti admits this but wants to bring a championship-winning mindset within the team to get things rolling.
You always try to reach for the stars. From my standpoint, that’s always been my approach. If you don’t have that mindset, then you’re not ever going to succeed. That’s your best chance to really go out there and perform at the best possible level.
Mario Andretti said (via NBC News)
On the other hand, the F1 world reps up for the 2025 season. Teams will have to balance developing their 2025 car as the 2026 regulation reset lies upon the horizon. Else, they would begin the 2026 season on the back foot, which no team would like to bear.
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Geetansh Pasricha
(772 Articles Published)