SILVERSTONE, England (AP) — Cadillac is naming its firstFormula 1car in honor of 1978 champion Mario Andretti, who calls it the "ultimate compliment" ahead of the team's inaugural race next week at the season-openingAustralian Grand Prix.
Bahrain F1 Auto Racing
F1's new 11th team announced on Friday its car will be the MAC-26, short for Mario Andretti Cadillac, for the most recent American F1 champion.
"Naming our first chassis MAC-26 reflects the spirit Mario carried into Formula 1 and the belief that an American team belongs on this stage," said Dan Towriss, chief executive of Cadillac Formula 1 Team Holdings.
"His story embodies the American dream and inspires how we approach building this team every day."
Andretti is an ambassador for the General Motors-backed Cadillac team, whose F1 entry originated with a bid fronted by his son Michael under the Andretti Global name.
Advertisement
The original bid wasrejectedby Liberty Media, the commercial rights holder of F1, amid prolonged wrangling. Michael Andrettistepped asideand the entry was restructured withTowriss at the helmand an increased role for GM.
"Racing has been the joy of my life. It is the ultimate compliment that Cadillac Formula 1 Team sees those years as meaningful and worthy of recording with this honor," Mario Andretti said in a statement.
"I cherish the opportunity that it gives me to have a lasting board with F1 and am genuinely appreciative of everyone who continues to acknowledge my part in racing history."
AP auto racing:https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing
