The Andretti Name is Back in Formula 1
The most interesting things I've stumbled across this week
Hey everyone,
Happy Friday. Here's this week's The Cool Down Lap, my Friday email rounding up the most interesting things I read, watched, listened to, and stumbled across during the week.
Looking ahead to the weekend, paid subscribers will get the Saturday morning deep dive, and on Monday, we’ve added a new column, Lali Michelsen’s Capital Moves, a look into the off-track investments of individuals involved in the racing world.
The Andretti Name is Back in Formula 1
Cadillac has named its first Formula 1 chassis after 1978 F1 world champion Mario Andretti.
The MAC-26 for Mario Andretti Cadillac 2026.
The team that started as Andretti Cadillac dropped the Andretti name from its title, but it’s honoring the man who helped launch the project by putting his initials on the car.
“Racing has been the joy of my life,” Andretti said on the eve of his 86th birthday. “It is the ultimate compliment that the Cadillac Formula 1 Team sees those years as meaningful and worthy of recording with this honor. I cherish the opportunity that it gives me to have a lasting bond with F1 and am genuinely appreciative of everyone who continues to acknowledge my part in racing history.”
CEO Dan Towriss framed it as a statement of intent.
“Naming our first chassis MAC-26 reflects the spirit Mario carried into Formula 1 and the belief that an American team belongs on this stage. His story embodies the American dream and inspires how we approach building this team every day.”
Images of Andretti line the walls at the team’s Silverstone base, one of three facilities alongside Indianapolis and Charlotte.
Team principal Graeme Lowdon put it personally.
“Mario Andretti is a legend of Formula 1. A true racer who knows how to win and push the limits of what is possible. But more than that, he is an incredible man with a gentle heart who believes in everyone’s ability to shape their own path.
“At the start of my own journey with the team, he asked me not to let him down. I hope that he will be proud to see the Cadillac Formula 1 Team car bearing his name finally take to the grid.”
What I’m Watching This Weekend
The IndyCar season gets started in St. Petersburg, Florida. There are so many storylines I want to watch unfold:
Can Scott Dixon get his seventh?
Will Power’s move to Andretti
Is Palou going to dominate…again?
Will Mick Schumacher have some big results?
The Freedom 250, will it even happen?
New race in Arlington!
How does Colton Herta do in F2?
What I’m Looking Forward To Watching
Friend of Business of Speed, Marshall Pruett’s documentary production with CoForce Crew on the story of Bad Ass Justin Wilson. It doesn’t come out until later this year, but the trailer is so good, and there’s no one better to tell this story than Marshall.
Design Piece of the Week
The new Pininfarina-designed “Monumental” trophy for the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid is stunning.
