Andretti name officially scrapped from Cadillac F1 project
The storied Andretti name will no longer grace the team behind the much-anticipated eleventh Formula 1 entry in 2026.
The organization, originally established as Andretti Racing, has formally been renamed Cadillac Formula Racing Ltd., signaling a pivotal rebranding as General Motors' Cadillac division takes center stage in the project.
The name change was officially registered in the United Kingdom on December 13, 2024, following an electronic filing made on December 12.
The move marks a significant shift in identity for the team, which was initially launched in mid-2022 under the leadership of Michael Andretti, chairman of Andretti Global, and shareholder and company director Dan Towriss.
Andretti Racing's original bid to join Formula 1 faced a rocky road, starting with its application during the FIA's formal tendering process in late 2023.
Although the Andretti entry cleared the FIA's stringent evaluations – becoming the only team to pass the regulatory stress tests – it was rejected by Formula One Management in early 2024.
The FOM's rejection prompted Andretti to escalate matters to the US Department of Justice, seeking an investigation into the fairness of the decision-making process.
However, the turning point came with the team's ability to secure a powerful ally: General Motors.
Cadillac's partnership reinvigorated the bid, as its involvement as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and prospective engine supplier addressed one of FOM's key concerns about sustainability and investment in the sport.
Michael Andretti alongside father Mario and Dan Towriss.
A strategic reshuffle further cemented the project's viability. Michael Andretti stepped down as CEO of Andretti Global, handing full control to Towriss, who implemented a revised approach that aligned with FOM's expectations.
This culminated in an agreement “in principle” with Formula 1, confirmed last month.
The renaming to Cadillac Formula Racing reflects the broader vision of a fully integrated effort. General Motors is set to develop its own power unit, establishing the team as a “full works” factory outfit by the late 2020s.
Additionally, Graeme Lowdon, the former Manor-Marussia team boss, has been appointed main team, bringing valuable F1 experience to the operation.
With Cadillac now leading the charge, the team aims to establish itself as a competitive force when it debuts in Formula 1 in 2026.
The rebranding not only signals a departure from the Andretti legacy but also sets the stage for an ambitious new chapter for American motorsport on the global stage.
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