Legendary racer Mario Andretti says GM joining Formula 1 brings him full circle

This week brought an end to a bitter conflict between General Motors, a famous racing name and the world’s most prestigious form of auto racing.

Formula 1 approved GM’s bid to enter the globe-spanning series under its Cadillac brand in time for the 2026 season.

The effort and the infrastructure to build the cars came from race team owner Michael Andretti. But F1’s ownership rejected Andretti’s proposed team, leading the U.S. Justice Department to launch an investigation into whether Formula 1 had violated anti-trust laws.

Now Andretti’s father, legendary racer Mario Andretti, will serve on the Cadillac team’s board of directors.

Mario Andretti told WDET it’s a role he’s become familiar with during the long journey to joining Formula 1.

Listen: Mario Andretti discusses his role with Cadillac Formula 1 team

This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

Mario Andretti: Nothing is really changing a great deal from the moment that Michael and his partner started this venture. I always was part of it to some degree as far as a sounding board. And that will continue to be so, which is great and it’s very exciting moments for us. We’ve been on this project for quite some time now and, finally, to be given the green light puts a whole new energy into the team. So it was great news.

Quinn Klinefelter, WDET News: What will you be doing as a part of the board of directors?

MA: I’m available to be involved in some decisions where I think I have experience, such as driver choices and some technical issues and so on. Wherever it seems like I could be contributing, I’m there. That’s as simple and as complicated as that.

QK: Your son Michael’s made such an investment in the infrastructure and all the facilities that will be used for the team. Is that going to be the base of where the cars are built?

MA: The objective is to be an all-American team. So the basic car I’m hoping will be built in America. But all of the operational side, once the season starts, will be out of England. But they have a design team in England right now. A lot of the specific details are not really for us to divulge yet, to be honest with you.

QK: Michael put so much into this project. Apart from yourself, is there going to be any mention of the Andretti name in regards to the project?

MA: I don’t know. Probably, if I get arrested, I’m sure my name will be mentioned.

QK: Ha! Apart from that, though?

MA: We’re still involved, whether it’s up front or whatever, it’s still a project that’s very much close to our heart and we’re not going anywhere.

QK: Did it surprise you, the length of time and the seeming contentiousness about getting this whole bid put together?

MA: Well, I really don’t care to go there now. I think, for me, it’s all full steam forward. That’s the objective now. I don’t want to waste any time looking back. It’s all good now and that’s the important part.

QK: I’m talking to you from Detroit, which is the home of General Motors headquarters. It’s going to be the all-American team that you had talked about. But it wasn’t exactly all-American, but Penske Racing had some troubles years ago in Formula 1. The American-owned Haas team now has had periodic difficulties. What do you think sets the Cadillac effort apart from those others?

MA: It’s huge. It’s historic. I think it’s the first time ever that General Motors and the Cadillac brand will be officially involved in Formula 1, which is fabulous for the sport. Fabulous for Formula 1, and it also gives you a lot of confidence about the effort. So this is all good stuff.

QK: It might be a little bit early right now, but do you have your eye at the moment on any drivers you think would fit the team, either experienced or any young Americans?

MA: The driver situation is all-important, as we all know. So a lot of things have been considered. This project started about three years ago, ultimately, so there were a lot of other things that were in place then. And now it’s not going to be on track until 2026. So you have all of 2025 to mull things over and make decisions. But the team is going to field teams in Formula 3 and Formula 2. And that’s going to be where some of the opportunities for, hopefully, some American talents to go there and hone their skills to progress to Formula 1.

QK: What do you think of the series itself right now, Formula One? It’s obviously gotten very popular now in the U.S. But it seems like a single manufacturer has been dominating for a while, whether it be Red Bull or Mercedes or whatever. Do you see a more competitive series coming with the new rule changes in 2026?

MA: I think we have seen that it’s gradually going in that direction. I think the competition has closed up as this season was progressing. And when you’re looking at 2026, it’s going to be a clean sheet of paper with new chassis and power units. So that could probably close the field. But going back to single team domination, that’s nothing new for Formula 1. Historically it’s been there from the beginning, from 1950 on. But the chances of three teams, and maybe even more, potentially being able to win races during a season is real and it’s unprecedented.

QK: How about for yourself? Growing up and watching Formula 1 and winning the world championship in 1978, as well as making such a name in U.S. racing, obviously. Is it almost like a full circle thing to come now to where you’re going to be part of a team that’s there?

MA: I guess you can call it that way, full circle. Being part of a team was never my ultimate ambition. My ambition was always driving. But I think Michael has shown me something different. When he stepped out of the cockpit he wanted to continue in ownership. Now, actual, real ownership was something that never really appealed to me. But to be part of it, something that started with Michael being involved, I welcome that opportunity and I’ve been invited to stay on, and I will.