Mario Andretti: Michael's exit helped Cadillac’s F1 bid

Mario Andretti has shed new light on his son Michael's departure from their Formula 1 venture, revealing it as a calculated decision to advance the team's entry prospects rather than a setback in their ambitious plans.

The path to approval

Following an unsuccessful attempt to acquire Sauber, Michael Andretti's pursuit of a Formula 1 entry took a significant turn through a partnership with General Motors' Cadillac brand.

While the initial Andretti-Cadillac bid received FIA approval, Formula One Management's subsequent rejection left the project in limbo.

However, a breakthrough emerged when Cadillac secured provisional acceptance as Formula 1's 11th team for 2026, shortly after Michael Andretti's stepping aside.

A father's insight

Mario Andretti, the 1978 World Champion who maintains a position on the Cadillac F1 team's board, offered candid insight into his son's decision.

"Michael is also happy, even though he has withdrawn from the project. He simply said: 'If I'm the obstacle, then I'll clear the way',"

Mario explained to Auto Motor und Sport, adding that while they might have approached some aspects differently, the primary goal of establishing an American team has been achieved.

General Motors' commitment

The Cadillac F1 project represents a serious commitment from one of automotive's biggest names.

"Formula 1 can expect full commitment from a giant like General Motors,"

Mario emphasized, pointing to GM's successful expansion in GT racing and sports cars as evidence of their thoroughgoing approach to motorsport endeavors.

Looking to 2026

Eric Warren, GM's global motorsport competition executive director, has outlined ambitious goals for the team's entry.

While initially utilizing Ferrari power units, General Motors plans to develop its own F1 power unit technology.

"Being able to compete at the high level and winning races and championships is a testament to the level of engineering and technology, and of our company of GM and Cadillac,"

Warren stated, setting clear expectations for the team's performance by decade's end.

New era opportunities

With F1's 2026 regulations introducing both new chassis and power unit specifications, Cadillac's entry timing aligns with a significant technical reset for the sport.

This clean slate could provide the American manufacturer with a unique opportunity to establish itself among Formula 1's elite competitors.