After two years of trying to get back his first love, Mario Andretti finally got it done. In 2022, his son Michael Andretti filed a petition with Formula One to enter Andretti Global in F1 in 2024. But Liberty Media, owner of the Formula One group, denied the American family entry this year. However, things changed for the brighter side for Andretti soon after the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix took place.

The American-European confluence in Sin City was followed up by F. They gave the green light to Andretti Global in conjunction with General Motors. As a result, not only was the 1978 Formula One World Champion’s wish fulfilled, but F1 saw a rapid boost to its global reach.

F1 gets quick reward for roping in Mario Andretti

Max Verstappen won his fourth title in a row at Saturday’s Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix. But F1’s viewership growth has been slower lately, with 1.12 million viewers, as compared to Verstappen’s 2022 and 2023 stints. Nonetheless, F1 is now more popular as it ticks all the boxes on the audience expansion checklist – youth, women, and ethnic minorities watch F1 more. Now, the sport is ready to expand this audience to the USA with Mario Andretti’s arrival.

On Monday, F1 announced it reached “an agreement in principle with General Motors to support bringing GM/Cadillac” to the grid as the sport’s 11th team in 2026. Andretti Global will run the team. The results were instant and jaw-dropping. Within a day of Formula One’s link-up with Mario Andretti, the stock market soared. NASCAR journalist Adam Stern reported the changes: “@F1’s stock hit a 52-week high today after granting @GM its long-running bid to enter the series in 2026.” 

Bringing millions of new eyes to the sport, this profitable consequence is sure to attain new heights. However, certain changes contributed to this outcome. Michael Andretti, co-founder of Andretti Global and former IndyCar and F1 driver was apparently a divisive figure, with an unpopular confrontational approach. It was only after he stepped down from his role and Dan Towriss stepped in that F1 agreed to go ahead.

Now Mario Andretti, the F1 sensation, will serve in an advisory capacity in the Cadillac team. Greg Maffei, president, and chief executive officer of F1 commercial rights holder Liberty Media, said: “With Formula 1’s continued growth plans in the US, we have always believed that welcoming an impressive US brand like GM/Cadillac to the grid and GM as a future power unit supplier could bring additional value and interest to the sport.” 

General Motors’ involvement drew the admiration of the president of F1’s governing body the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem as well. “General Motors is a huge global brand and powerhouse in the OEM world and is working with impressive partners.”

This massive turn of events brought an emotional smile to Mario Andretti himself.

Bridging two worlds

Mario Andretti is probably the most successful driver to drive as an American. However, he was born in Italy and stayed there until 15 years of age. After establishing world-class fame in F1 – in 1978, he picked up 6 victories on his way to the championship – Andretti confessed he wanted to build a truly American team with an American driver.

“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,” Mario Andretti said in the announcement. “To still be involved at this stage of my life — I have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.” The 84-year-old further professed his love of racing: “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.”

The big boost announcement of GM’s entry to F1 may be an obvious impact of an American manufacturer and team joining the sport. Apart from Haas, there is no American team on the grid. However, with Liberty Media’s expansion plans in the US, GM’s entry may just be the perfect next step for the American expansion. F1 tested the waters first with the Miami GP, and then the Las Vegas GP. More importantly, it can be a stepping stone for American drivers on the grid.

Evidently, things are hunky-dory at present between F1 and Andretti Global. As the American motorsports team takes strides internationally, let us wait to see what it achieves next year. Phil Hill of Florida was one of the first American-born Formula One champions (winning the Italian Grand Prix in 1961). Logan Sargeant, a Florida native, became the first American F1 driver since 2015 when he raced in 2023. But Sargeant lost his ride in 2024. Finally, F1 is allowing Andretti’s dream to materialize – and the motorsports veteran is ecstatic about it.