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Mario Andretti says Max Verstappen is the ideal recruit for Cadillac F1 in 2026, emphasizing the need for experience and speed as the American team prepares to join the Formula 1 grid.

Cadillac Joins the Formula 1 Grid for 2026

General Motors has confirmed plans to join the Formula 1 championship under the Cadillac brand starting in 2026. This announcement comes as the sport prepares to expand its grid to 11 teams and 22 cars under new regulations.
The team, in partnership with Andretti Global, will be led by 1978 F1 World Champion Mario Andretti, who will act as a non-executive advisor.

Max Verstappen: The Most Coveted Driver in F1

Despite being under contract with Red Bull Racing until the end of the F1 2028 season, rumors continue to swirl about Verstappen’s potential availability. Teams like Cadillac and Audi F1, which will complete its takeover of the Sauber team by 2026, are reportedly eyeing the four-time world champion as they prepare for new challenges under the upcoming rule changes.

In an interview with GPblog, Mario Andretti confirmed Verstappen would be a perfect fit for Cadillac, saying:

“Max is a special talent that doesn’t come along very often. His ability to extract the maximum from the car, even compared to his teammate, is remarkable. If we could, we would absolutely want him in our team.”

Red Bull’s Commitment to Verstappen

Max Verstappen recently secured his fourth consecutive World Championship in Las Vegas, solidifying his place as the dominant force in Formula 1. Christian Horner, team principal of Red Bull, addressed questions about Verstappen’s future:

“The relationship we have with Max is built on trust. It’s on us to provide him with a car capable of winning more titles, and I have no doubt we’ll deliver on that.”

Horner also acknowledged that staying competitive in the rapidly evolving F1 landscape will be a significant challenge for every team under the 2026 regulations.

Cadillac F1: A Bold Vision for the Future

Cadillac’s strategy involves assembling a team that embodies both American pride and global excellence. Speculation suggests they are considering IndyCar star Colton Herta as one driver, paired with an experienced and proven champion like Verstappen to hit the ground running in 2026.

With Mercedes and Aston Martin also vying for Verstappen’s signature, the competition for his services is heating up.

Conclusion

The battle for Max Verstappen is intensifying as Cadillac F1, Mercedes, and Aston Martin position themselves for F1’s next big chapter in 2026. Will Red Bull succeed in retaining their superstar, or will Verstappen take on a new challenge with Cadillac? The next few seasons will be pivotal in shaping the future of Formula 1.