The excitement is at an all-time high for Mario Andretti. Formula 1’s 1978 world champion will be involved in a revised plan for a General Motors F1 team, operating as a director on the board. The Cadillac brand is all set to enter the sport in 2026 as the 11th team, using the existing Andretti Global project in Silverstone as its foundation. It’s the start of something new, not just for Andretti but for the sport itself, as an American-built car will be entering one of the most popular racing series in the world.

Despite Mario Andretti’s son having his Formula 1 bid rejected, the 84-year-old is harboring no ill feelings towards the sport. What might have been the reasons behind FIA’s rejection last year, in comparison to approving General Motors’ bid this time around?

Mario Andretti opens up about his non-executive F1 role

To say that Formula 1 is growing in the United States would be an understatement. The sport has seen a mercurial rise in recent years, thanks to the popular Netflix show ‘Drive to Survive’. Unsurprisingly, the rise in interest has led to Americans wanting to invest in the sport, with talks of an 11th team circulating for years. Earlier this year, an application by Andretti-Cadillac was rejected by the F1 as key stakeholders within the sport didn’t feel that they would be competitive participants in the sport.

However, that hasn’t dampened Mario Andretti’s spirit in any way. The former NASCAR and Formula 1 driver expressed his excitement by saying, “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.”

In recent months, Mario Andretti has publicly spoken out about Formula 1’s unfair treatment after their entry was rejected. However, the 84-year-old is pleased with how things have progressed since then, going on to say, “To still be involved at this stage of my life. I have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.” Even though the Andretti name will no longer be associated with the F1 operation, the racing veteran is content with his limited involvement in the sport.

Mario Andretti has had quite a racing career. Even though his time in NASCAR was short-lived, the veteran truly made a name for himself in the open-wheel category, becoming only the second American to win the Formula 1 championship after Phil Hill. While he’s only somewhat of a figurehead in General Motors’ F1 entry, the 84-year-old is exactly where he belongs and said, “My first love was Formula 1 and now, 70 years later, the F1 paddock is still my happy place.” However, will his son also be feeling the same?

Why did Formula 1 reject the Andretti-Cadillac bid?

It’s not easy to break into Formula 1. Unfortunately for Michael Andretti, the 62-year-old learned it the hard way. Even though the FIA felt that the technical capabilities justified an entry, the former racing driver needed to sign a deal with F1’s owner, Liberty Media, which was easier said than done. Moreover, the sport itself was not very keen to expand its grid unless a team could offer a clear benefit from its presence. After months of discussion, the conclusion was that allowing Andretti to enter the sport wasn’t the right thing to do.

The decision didn’t go down well with Mario Andretti at that time, who spoke to the German outlet AMuS and said, “The FIA has already asked us many very specific questions, and we were able to answer all of them to complete satisfaction. The [FIA] President has everything in writing that is needed for an explanation. When that wasn’t enough, we needed a manufacturer – commitment demanded. We delivered it. What else should we deliver?”

After the verdict was announced, the Andretti family tried to force their way in by involving US Congress and the Department of Justice. However, Formula 1 stood firm by its decision, citing that adding an extra team would add to the financial strain on the race promoters. Despite the setback, Mario Andretti’s son has vowed to get behind Cadillac’s Formula 1 team by saying, “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!”