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Cadillac names first F1 chassis after Mario Andretti
Cadillac has named its first Formula 1 chassis after 1978 F1 world champion Mario Andretti.
The newest team on the grid started out its bid to join the sport as Andretti Cadillac, with Michael Andretti one of the leading figures in the project. His father Mario’s influence was also significant, and although the team has since evolved and dropped the Andretti name from its title, ahead of Cadillac’s debut race it has confirmed its chassis will be the MAC-26 – or the Mario Andretti Cadillac 26.
“Racing has been the joy of my life,” Andretti said on the eve of his 86th birthday. “It is the ultimate compliment that the Cadillac Formula 1 Team sees those years as meaningful and worthy of recording with this honor. I cherish the opportunity that it gives me to have a lasting bond with F1 and am genuinely appreciative of everyone who continues to acknowledge my part in racing history.”
Cadillac says the decision to honor Andretti with the chassis naming was not only due to his own racing success, but also "his lasting influence on the team’s formation and competitive ambition,” given his history with the project.
“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,” Cadillac F1 Team CEO Dan Towriss said. “His story embodies the American dream and inspires how we approach building this team every day.”
Images of Andretti adorn the walls of some of the team’s offices in Silverstone, one of three bases that it will operate out of alongside Indianapolis and Charlotte.
“Mario Andretti is a legend of Formula 1,” team principal Graeme Lowdon said. “A true racer who knows how to win and push the limits of what is possible. But more than that, he is an incredible man with a gentle heart who believes in everyone’s ability to shape their own path.
“At the start of my own journey with the team, he asked me not to let him down – I hope that he will be proud to see the Cadillac Formula 1 Team car bearing his name finally take to the grid.”
Chris Medland
While studying Sports Journalism at the University of Central Lancashire, Chris managed to talk his way into working at the British Grand Prix in 2008 and was retained for three years before joining ESPN F1 as Assistant Editor. After three further years at ESPN, a spell as F1 Editor at Crash Media Group was followed by the major task of launching F1i.com’s English-language website and running it as Editor. Present at every race since the start of 2014, he has continued building his freelance portfolio, working with international titles. As well as writing for RACER, his broadcast work includes television appearances on F1 TV and as a presenter and reporter on North America's live radio coverage on SiriusXM.
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