Cadillac is looking to strike a deal with Ferrari to use its power units when it arrives in Formula 1 in 2026. The team is also considering hiring American IndyCar star Colton Herta in one of its two single-seaters.
These are the first revelations from Mario Andretti, the 1978 world champion, who is allowing the Andretti name to remain on board the operation, as a consultant and non-executive director.
“Cadillac will have its own powertrain ready for the 2028 season. That’s the goal, and it’s going to happen.”
“An initial agreement to use Ferrari powertrains is under discussion. That’s what we’re talking about. It’s not final yet, but that’s the goal. And that’s the preference.”
“My history with Ferrari and my relationship with Mr. Ferrari – all of that plays a huge role.”
“There are so many factors here that make this make a lot of sense. It would be the best of all worlds.”
The other track remains Honda but the Japanese would like to remain solely associated with Aston Martin F1 for its official return.
On the driver side, Herta (pictured below), who finished second in the IndyCar Series for Andretti this year, is a candidate to drive for the team in 2026.
“That’s definitely one of the pilots that’s being considered. I think you have to keep your options open, because it’s going to be a whole next season where we’re not players yet.”
When Mario Andretti was asked why there was a green light for Cadillac when the application was blocked with their name in evidence, he did not want to argue.
“It’s difficult to put a finger on why F1 dropped its opposition to the project.”
“I could go back and talk about events and whatnot, but some of them weren’t very pleasant and I don’t really want to talk about them. That’s all behind us.”
“We’re just looking to the future now. It happened, and it happened correctly. Everyone is happy, including my son, Michael. That’s the most important part. Nobody suffered from it if that’s your question.”
Andretti said his role within Cadillac’s F1 operation will be similar to that held by his former rival Niki Lauda at Mercedes F1 until his death in 2019.
“Obviously they tried to rely on my experience and what I see – the selection of driver talent and even technical talent.”
“Sports is my family. I have been continuously involved in many things, and that continues. And that’s it. I don’t want a specific job per se, where I have to clock in every day. I don’t want a specific job per se, where I have to clock in every day. I don’t need it and I don’t want it, but I’m excited to have the opportunity to be involved in many important decisions. It’s my rodeo.
