Former world champion Mario Andretti leaves no doubt – a driver like Charles Leclerc is always welcome at Cadillac. Andretti was recently appointed to the board of the new Formula 1 team. Although Cadillac has already recruited two drivers – Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez – the American racing legend is openly courting Leclerc. The Monegasque has been repeatedly linked with a possible transfer in recent months.
With six Grands Prix remaining, Ferrari is reflecting on a disappointing season. The team was plagued by fundamental issues with the car, preventing Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc from effectively competing against their rivals. The Scuderia now fears for its third place in the constructors’ championship. As a result, Leclerc – a Ferrari driver through and through – is increasingly being associated with a move. According to Mario Andretti, he would be more than welcome at Cadillac.
“I’m a big fan of Leclerc – if he ever wanted to switch teams, I would immediately bring him to Cadillac,” Andretti told Corriere della Sera. His words sound like a warning to Pérez and Bottas, who have yet to race in Cadillac colors. However, Andretti also harbors warm feelings for Ferrari and realizes that the current slump is temporary. “Ferrari is Ferrari, and sooner or later it always comes back,” he assured. Yet the 85-year-old star is critical of the Scuderia’s management. Has he lost his faith in Fred Vasseur? “Yes,” he replied resolutely.
Michael Andretti’s Role
Recently appointed to the board of directors of Cadillac, Andretti has a significant influence on the new team. However, in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, he primarily praised the contribution of his son, Michael Andretti, whom he considers the driving force behind Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1. After an eleventh team under the Andretti banner was rejected, the FOM approved a restructuring in Cadillac colors. The team will operate under the watchful eye of TWG Motorsports, the parent company behind Andretti Global’s racing activities in IndyCar, Formula E, and other racing classes.
“My son Michael deserves all the credit,” said Andretti. “Honestly, I’ve never been much interested in managing teams – I was only interested in racing.” With Cadillac’s arrival, Formula 1 gains another fully American team – a long-awaited milestone for the sport. “This is something special,” emphasized Andretti. “It’s not just about racing; it’s about proving that American engineering and passion belong at the top of motorsport.”
