The American team confirmed that its first Formula 1 car will be named MAC-26 in honor of Mario Andretti, and it will be driven by Checo Pérez alongside Valtteri Bottas in its world championship debut.
The arrival of the Cadillac Revolut F1 Team to the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship represents one of the most significant milestones in the category’s recent evolution, not only because of the entry of a new team, but also due to the creation of a technical identity built from the ground up. In that context, the confirmation of the official name of the first chassis to be raced by Sergio “Checo” Pérez and Valtteri Bottas marks both a symbolic and operational step in the development of the American project, which is preparing for its debut at the Australian Grand Prix.
Cadillac’s first Formula 1 car has been named MAC-26, a designation that pays tribute to Mario Andretti, the 1978 world champion and a historic influence behind the project, whose vision of integrating the United States into the top tier of motorsport now materializes through a structure backed by a global manufacturer. The number “26” refers to the year of its debut on the grid, underlining the intention that this car will not only compete, but also mark the beginning of an ambitious trajectory in the most demanding category of motorsport.
The development process of the MAC-26 placed strong emphasis on close correlation between simulation tools, wind tunnel data and on-track running, with the goal of optimizing the integration of the chassis with the power unit supplied by an established manufacturer. The complexity of the new 2026 technical regulations — which prioritize energy efficiency, redesigned hybrid systems and active aerodynamics — forced the team to validate every design decision based on its impact on dynamic balance and race demands, recognizing that long-term consistency carries more value than isolated testing results.
Checo Pérez, a central figure in the project alongside Bottas, has played an active role in the development phase, providing feedback from simulator sessions and technical meetings to ensure the MAC-26 delivers competitive performance from the very first race. The choice of Pérez, with extensive experience in high-performance structures, highlights Cadillac’s intention to balance youth and innovation with experience and deep grid knowledge, a key factor in accelerating the learning curve of a new team.
Beyond the name itself, the unveiling of the MAC-26 serves as a benchmark to assess how Cadillac Revolut F1 Team interprets the 2026 regulations compared to established rivals. Technical work around the chassis, data correlation and circuit setup will come under scrutiny during the opening rounds of the championship, where every aerodynamic component and energy strategy will shape the team’s ability to position itself in the midfield and aim higher.
With Melbourne set as the first on-track test, the debut of the MAC-26 not only symbolizes Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1, but also the start of a new cycle in which technical ambition, resource management and driver leadership will be tested from the very first lap of the championship.