Mario Andretti named as director on board of General Motors F1 team

The Andretti family will retain an involvement in the revised plan for a General Motors Formula 1 team, with 1978 world champion Mario Andretti serving as a director on the board.

On Monday F1 announced it has agreed in principle a deal to allow an entry for the GM group to enter grand prix racing in 2026 with its own team.

This came as part of a restructured plan from the original idea of a Cadillac-backed Andretti entry, which F1 rejected earlier in the year.

The revamped idea for the project, which has come with original team founder Michael Andretti recently stepping back from his involvement, means that the Andretti name will no longer be a part of the F1 operation.

Instead, it will be a GM/Cadillac team in association with the TWG Global company, which owns and operates Andretti Global.

While that could have meant no involvement for the Andretti name, GM has announced that some ties will remain. And that revolves around Mario Andretti serving as a director, but “not involved in day-to-day operations”.

Mario Andretti with Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin F1 Team

Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images

Mario Andretti said on X: “I feel very lucky that I’ve been able to stick around for this long and do what I love for so long. And the idea that the Cadillac F1 Team wants me around… I’ll help where I can, a non-executive role with the team, not involved in day-to-day operations (because I don’t want a job), but offering advice, inspiration, friendship anywhere I can. I am beyond fortunate.”

Speaking about his role, he said: “My first love was Formula 1 and now – 70 years later – the F1 paddock is still my happy place.

“I’m absolutely thrilled with Cadillac, Formula 1, Mark Walter, and Dan Towriss. To still be involved at this stage of my life — I have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.”

Mario Andretti had spoken out several times in recent months regarding what he felt was an unfair treatment by F1 in rejecting its hopes of an entry.

While Mario’s son Michael, who originally began the project when he ran Andretti Global, will not play any part in how things develop, he says he also fully supports what GM is doing.

Posting on X, he said: “The Cadillac F1 Team is made up of a strong group of people that have worked tirelessly to build an American works team.

“I’m very proud of the hard work they have put in and congratulate all involved on this momentous next step. I will be cheering for you!”